Queensland scooped the pool at the 2023 Australian Grand Dairy Awards held in Melbourne in March.
The awards, which recognise and reward excellence and quality in Australian dairy produce and are considered the industry’s most prestigious and highly regarded accolade, saw Queensland producers take out six of the 18 awards up for grabs.
Victoria followed with four titles, Tasmania three, NSW scored two, Western Australia two and South Australia one.
The two most prestigious awards, the Grand Champion Dairy and Grand Champion Cheese, saw two Queensland producers recognised:
- Woombye Cheese Company on the Sunshine Coast was awarded Grand Champion Cheese for its Woombye Blackall Gold Washed Rind.
- Sunnybank producer Milani Minus Eight Degrees took home the title of Grand Champion Dairy for its Crème Brulée Gelato.
Entries spanned 320 products from various manufacturers across 18 classes including milk, yoghurt, ice-cream, butter, cream and an array of cheese.
Respected dairy educator and chief judge Russell Smith said the awards were about spotlighting local manufacturers and provided an opportunity to celebrate innovation within the Australian dairy industry.
“Australia has some incredible dairy producers, and we know Australians care about the provenance of their food more than ever,” Russell said.
“These awards put the best of the best in the spotlight. Congratulations to all producers who have entered this year.”
Woombye Cheese Company producer Beth O’Leary said the Grand Champion award was welcome recognition of the years of work that have gone into producing the perfect cheese.
“We have an amazing team behind us, and we are thrilled to be taking this achievement home to those who have been a part of its success,” she said.
Milani Minus Eight Degrees founder Yue Lin said bringing a little bit of indulgence to its customers every day was a privilege.
“Our Crème Brulée Gelato is one of our most popular flavours — we know it’s a winner every time. But to be recognised nationally and receive this prestigious award is an honour.”
For more information, visit: https://www.dairy.com.au/our-programs/australian-grand-dairy-awards/2023-australian-grand-dairy-awards