What's New in 2026
In 2026, the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards welcomes a number of refinements to the program.
Introduction of Bread & Baked Goods and Olive Oil Categories
Melbourne Royal is proud to announce the re-introduction of the Bread & Baked Goods and Olive Oil categories to the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards.
Reflecting evolving market trends and developed in close consultation with leading industry experts, this distinguished category will comprise three Bread, three Baked Good and two Olive Oil classes. These classes will culminate in the presentation of the esteemed Champion Bread, Champion Baked Good and Champion Olive Oil trophies.
The new categories offer an exceptional opportunity for the Australian Baking and Olive Oil industry to present its finest products to a panel of highly respected judges, each recognised for their expertise and contribution to the field. All entries must be 100% Australian.
Melbourne Royal is delighted to celebrate and elevate excellence in Australian baking and olive oil production through these exciting new categories.
New Champion Chilli Preserve Trophy in Preserves Category
To recognise the exponential growth in chilli-based products in Australia, the Awards have introduced a new Champion Chilli Preserve Trophy, splitting SAV005 – Chilli into three classes:
- CHI001 – Chilli Sauce
- CHI002 – Chilli Oil
- CHI003 – Other Chilli Preserve
New Apprentice Butcher Category
The category is open to all apprentices in Australia, currently undertaking a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) apprenticeship and working in a retail butcher.
The category offers a unique opportunity for apprentices to benchmark their products and gain invaluable feedback from expert judges in a blind-judging environment judged with a trophy awarded to the best apprentice exhibit in each class, as well as the Excellence in Apprentice Butchery Trophy.
The available classes to enter are:
- APP001 – Apprentice Gourmet Sausages
- APP002 – Apprentice Gourmet Burgers
Apprentices must be within their apprenticeship contract term at the time of close of deliveries, Friday 8 August.
Champion Australian Independent Cheesemaker Award
Celebrating the artistry, dedication, and exceptional craftsmanship of Australia’s independent cheesemakers, this award is presented to the maker of the Champion Cheese, or the highest‑scoring independent cheese produced by an eligible cheesemaking company.
To qualify, producers must be an independent cheesemaking company with less than 20% foreign ownership and an annual turnover of $1,000,000 or less.