After tasting their way through a record 470 of Australia’s finest dairy products, judges of the prestigious Australian Grand Dairy Awards have announced the 2017 finalists from across the nation.
This year, 56 producers of cheese, ice cream, milk, yoghurts, dips, gelatos and more have made it to the big stage in the grand final of dairy awards and now wait with baited breath until February when the champions will be announced.
And for the first time, the public also have the chance to play judge to determine the champion cheese of the new People’s Choice Award. Cheese lovers across the country can cast their vote for their favourite product at peopleschoiceaward.legendairy.com.au.
The Awards, now in their 18th year, celebrate the best of the best in Australian dairy, recognising quality, excellence and the refined skills of local Australian producers who craft some of the best dairy product in the world.
All products, which qualified for awards by winning gold medal at state competitions, are put through a rigorous two-day judging process.
Leading a panel of 24 judges, technical experts, chefs, retailers and flavour specialists, was respected dairy educator, Russell Smith and recently appointed deputy chief judge, Mark Livermore. Author and food personality, Alice Zaslavsky also joined the panel for a second year running.
From buttery bries to smooth and indulgent creams, 2017’s finalists feature producers big and small, including supermarket favourites to new-to-the-market, artisan products.
“We’re thrilled to announce the impressive line-up of 2017 finalists and pay recognition to the talented Australians who dedicate their time, passion and skill to producing high quality dairy foods for Australia and the rest of the world to enjoy,” says Amanda Menegazzo, convener of the Australian Grand Dairy Awards.
“The calibre keeps improving year after year. We are rapt to see such a mix between old and new faces for 2017 – from established brands such as Bega Cheese, to new-comers like family owned Little Big Dairy,” says Amanda.
Out of the finalists, a winner will be chosen for each dairy category and the highest scoring dairy and cheese products will be crowned as the Grand Champions.