The nation’s very best dairy products were recognised at the 26th Australian Grand Dairy Awards, held at the Melbourne Showgrounds on October 30.
Hosted by Dairy Australia and the Royal Agricultural Societies, the annual awards recognise excellence, quality and innovation, attracting entries from producers Australia-wide.
Two producers from Western Australia claimed the Grand Champion titles, with Dellendale Creamery being crowned the Grand Champion Cheese title for their Churchill Rd Raclette and Bannister Downs Dairy taking home the Grand Champion Dairy Product for their Double Cream.
The awards demonstrated the breadth of Australian dairy, with winners spanning from traditional cheeses to native and international flavours in categories for milk, cheese, yoghurt and ice-cream.
Among the champions were products such as khajoor (date) flavoured milk, masala lassi, Japanese-inspired yuzu custard gelato, and native Tasmanian pepperberry and leatherwood honey ice-cream.
International cheese judge Jill Allen praised this year’s entrants.
“This year we saw a wealth of products, all exceptional in high quality, everything spanning from beautiful yoghurts, wonderful milks and amazing cheddars,” Ms Allen said.
“This year, I’ve seen a lot of flavours that I haven’t encountered before, especially from my past judging in the US, which speaks to the characteristics and diversity of Australian dairy.”
After founding Dellendale Creamery in 2010, Grand Champion Cheese winner Chris Vogel could not have anticipated how the challenges and rewards of cheesemaking would lead to such prestigious recognition years later.
“This prestigious recognition reflects the knowledge we’ve built over 15 years and our small team’s passion and endeavour in handcrafting, washing and tending to every wheel of cheese in our cellar,” Chris said.
“We’ve always believed in the quality and tradition behind our cheeses, and this award is a testament to that commitment.”
Grand Champion Dairy Product winners Mat and Sue Daubney from Bannister Downs Dairy Farm have carried their family’s dairy legacy for the past 20 years.
The farm was first established by Mat’s grandparents, Edith and James Daubney, in 1924.
“Being recognised as the grand champion is a true honour, and it reflects the generations of hard work and dedication that have shaped our farm, and the wonderfully abundant area we are so fortunate to farm in,” Mat said.
“We’ve seen the industry change, grow, and innovate each year, and we’re excited to be championing our family traditions, all while also embracing innovation to produce the highest quality dairy for our community and beyond.”
Dairy Australia’s Glenys Zucco said the awards were a testament to Australia’s unique and long-standing history with dairy.
“This year’s entrants into the Australian Grand Dairy Awards showcased a diverse range of flavours and aromas from every state in Australia,” Ms Zucco said.
“We are impressed by each of these individuals who not only uphold the tradition of high-quality Australian dairy, but also continuously push boundaries and ideas that resonate both locally and internationally.”
The awards featured 406 entries across 22 categories, with each product evaluated on its flavour, aroma, texture, body and appearance.
For products to be eligible to enter the awards, they must be produced in Australia with 100 per cent Australian milk and have won gold at a state qualifying competition.
Products must also be available to be purchased by consumers in Australian retail markets.
This year saw new award categories being introduced, including: Novelty Ice-Cream, Fresh Curd Stretched Cheese, and Other Goat, Sheep, Buffalo and Camel Milk products.
To see the full list of winners, go to: https://www.dairy.com.au/our-programs/australian-grand-dairy-awards/2024-australian-grand-dairy-awards-october-champions