Dairy producers from across the country will have a unique opportunity to have their products assessed by some of the industry’s top experts as entries open for the 2026 Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show.
The prestigious national competition, held in February each year, aims to celebrate and improve the Australian dairy industry by offering producers the chance to benchmark their products, receive independent feedback, and showcase product quality to consumers by winning a champion, gold, silver, or bronze medal.
Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show Chair of Judges Tiffany Beer said despite the difficulties faced by the Australian dairy industry, consumer demand for dairy products remained strong.
“The Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show continues to recognise and reward some of the highest quality cheese and dairy products available to Australian consumers,” Tiffany said.
“It is one of the most prestigious dairy competitions in Australia due to the quality of the products entered and the expertise of the judges.
“As one of the first competitions of the year for the dairy industry, it sets the stage for what the industry will showcase over the next 12 months.
“A Sydney Royal medal helps consumers identify premium Australian products, which can boost sales, improve marketing and provide access to new markets for those products.”
The competition offers 94 classes for producers to enter, with classes ranging from butter and ice-cream to camel milk and buffalo cheese.
A research and development class is also available for producers to test new and innovative products.
Judged on a 20-point scale, products are assessed by industry experts based on presentation, flavour and aroma, and texture and body, with a bronze medal awarded to products earning 16–16.9 points, a silver medal for 17–17.9 points, and a gold medal for 18 points or more.
In addition to the marketing benefits, winning producers gain a unique opportunity to leverage the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s events and programs.
These include exhibiting in the Sydney Royal medal-winning area at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, as well as participating in exclusive one-off opportunities such as the showcase of Sydney Royal products during King Charles’ visit to Sydney in 2024.
The 2026 Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Produce Show is open for entries.
To learn more or to enter, visit www.rasnsw.com.au or see what the judges have to say here: https://youtu.be/gfnLkdLKvvc
Entries close October 22, with judging to take place from February 9 to 12 at Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park.