Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show reveals 2024 winners

Gippsland and Colac dairy producers have been handed top honours in Sydney — and are now in the running for national glory.

A honeycomb classic and a world-beating cheese have earned Victorian dairy several honours north of the Murray.

The new season of dairy produce commendations has kicked off with the winners of the Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show announced for 2024.

Bega’s Rindless Vintage Cheese took out the top honour of Champion Cheese, putting it in the running for the 2025 Australian Grand Dairy Awards.

The 2024 round of the national awards recently wrapped up, the culmination of the state-based process which confirmed Berrys Creek as makers of Australia’s best cheese.

Sydney Royal judging panel chairwoman Tiffany Beer said the level of quality presented across all classes was high.

“While this is a direct reflection of the good raw materials the Australian dairy industry has been producing, it is also a reflection of the technical production skills and constant development,” Ms Beer said.

Berrys Creek won the Champion Sheep, Goat, Buffalo or Camel Milk Product category with its Riverine Blue, hot on the heels of its national award win earlier this month.

The Gippsland cheesemaker was also included on the Australian cheeseboard, which recognises the five best cheese entrants.

Colac-based Bulla won the Champion Novel Ice Cream category for its honeycomb creamy classic.

Ms Beer said the Research and Development class had a strong increase in entries this year.

“This class allows judges to assess products that are not yet commercially available but will be in the next 12 months and provide detailed feedback for producers,” she said.