2026 Champions
Champion Victorian Meat Producer
For decades, Ashburton Meats has been connecting customers with premium Victorian produce, building trusted relationships with local farmers and championing true paddock-to-plate traceability. Combining traditional butchery skills with a commitment to ethical farming and exceptional quality, the family-owned business continues to deliver award-winning products that celebrate the best of Victorian meat production. This dedication has earned Ashburton Meats the title of 2026 Champion Victorian Meat Producer.
Champion Victorian Smallgoods Producer
Griffin Morris Village Butchers has earned a loyal following for its handcrafted smallgoods, dedication to locally sourced produce and unwavering commitment to quality. Combining traditional techniques with carefully selected Victorian ingredients, the team produces award-winning hams, bacon, sausages and smallgoods that showcase the very best of artisanal butchery. This dedication to flavour, craftsmanship and provenance has seen Griffin Morris Village Butchers recognised as the 2026 Champion Victorian Smallgoods Producer.
Champion Victorian Dairy Producer
Inglenook Dairy has been producing quality, locally made dairy products in Victoria for over a century. Still family-owned and operated, the descendants of the original founders continue to uphold the tradition of excellence, crafting their Full Cream Homogenised Milk with care, passion, and a commitment to delivering rich, authentic flavour to Australian households.
Champion Victorian Preserves Producer
Pennyroyal Farm Otway Preserves has built a reputation for crafting exceptional small-batch preserves using locally sourced fruit, traditional recipes and a commitment to quality without compromise. Family-owned and proudly Australian-made, the Fyansford-based producer creates handcrafted jams, relishes, chutneys and sauces that celebrate the flavours of the region. Their dedication to flavour, provenance and artisanal production has earned Pennyroyal Farm Otway Preserves recognition as the 2026 Champion Victorian Preserves Producer.
Champion Large Meat Producer
Stockyard Beef is renowned for producing premium, high-quality beef on a large scale, combining rigorous animal welfare standards with expert butchery and processing. Their Stockyard Gold range exemplifies consistency, tenderness, and flavour, cementing their reputation as a leader in Australia’s large-scale meat production.
Champion Australian Large Smallgoods Producer
With a proud tradition of quality butchery, Griffin Morris Village Butchers combine generations of skill with a passion for innovation. Their Wagyu Beef Pastrami is crafted from premium cuts, showcasing rich flavour and expert curing techniques that reflect their dedication to excellence in smallgoods production.
Champion Australian Large Dairy Producer
St David Dairy has built a reputation for producing exceptional dairy products that champion quality, freshness and traceability. As Melbourne’s pioneering micro-dairy, St David Dairy works closely with Gippsland farmers to create award-winning milk, cream, butter and yoghurt that showcase the very best of Victorian dairy. Their commitment to local sourcing, artisanal production and outstanding flavour has earned St David Dairy recognition as the 2026 Champion Australian Large Dairy Producer.
Champion Australian Large Preserves Producer
Last St has earned a loyal following for its handcrafted preserves, cordials and pantry products, produced in small batches using quality ingredients and time-honoured methods. Combining a rich heritage with a passion for innovation, the Beechworth-based family business creates products that deliver exceptional flavour and consistency. Their commitment to craftsmanship and excellence has seen Last St recognised as the 2026 Champion Australian Large Preserves Producer.
Champion Australian Small Smallgoods Producer
Uncle’s Smallgoods has built a reputation for producing exceptional smallgoods using traditional recipes, time-honoured smoking methods and premium Australian ingredients. Family-owned and proudly based in Dandenong, Victoria, Uncle’s crafts its hams, bacon, salami and smoked meats in small batches, combining Polish heritage with a commitment to natural, preservative-free production. Their dedication to authentic flavour, craftsmanship and quality has earned Uncle’s Smallgoods recognition as the 2026 Champion Australian Small Smallgoods Producer.
Champion Australian Small Dairy Producer
Having brought generations of Italian cheesemaking tradition to Victoria, Borghi’s Dairy creates their Del Bocia Truffle Butter with a dedication to quality and flavour. Sourcing the finest local dairy and premium truffles, they craft each batch with care, blending classic techniques with modern innovation. Winners of last year’s Champion Dairy Producer, we congratulate Borghi’s Dairy on their continued excellence in bringing gourmet products to Australian tables.
Champion Australian Small Preserves Producer
Noosa Black Garlic has built a reputation for creating premium black garlic products that showcase exceptional flavour, innovation and craftsmanship. Using organically grown elephant garlic sourced from the pristine Noosa hinterland, the family-owned business slowly ages each batch to develop the rich, sweet umami character that has become its signature. Their commitment to quality ingredients, small-batch production and culinary excellence has earned Noosa Black Garlic recognition as the 2026 Champion Australian Small Preserves Producer.
Champion Value Add Meat
Satay Chicken, Pyrenees Premium Cuts, Victoria
Pyrenees Premium Cuts is renowned for creating premium value-added meat products that combine quality ingredients, innovation and exceptional flavour. Based in Victoria, the business has built a strong reputation for producing products that showcase creativity alongside traditional butchery expertise. Their award-winning Satay Chicken impressed judges with its quality, flavour and execution, earning Pyrenees Premium Cuts recognition as the 2026 Champion Value Add Meat Producer.
Champion Branded Meat
Black Opal, Harmony Agriculture & Food Co., Victoria
Black Opal by Harmony Agriculture & Food Co. is recognised as one of Australia’s leading Wagyu brands, renowned for delivering exceptional quality, consistency and eating experience. Produced using carefully selected Wagyu and Angus genetics, Black Opal Wagyu is celebrated for its fine marbling, silky texture and rich flavour. Their award-winning Black Opal Wagyu exemplifies the brand’s commitment to premium beef production and craftsmanship, earning Black Opal recognition as the 2026 Champion Branded Meat Producer.
Champion Cheese
Capriole, Main Ridge Dairy, Victoria
Main Ridge Dairy is renowned for producing exceptional handcrafted goat’s cheeses that celebrate the quality of their farm-fresh milk and traditional cheesemaking techniques. Nestled in the rolling hills of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the family-owned dairy transforms milk from its own herd of dairy goats into award-winning cheeses renowned for their flavour, texture and craftsmanship. Their outstanding Capriole, a lightly ashed white-mould cheese with a rich, velvety character, impressed judges with its complexity and quality, earning Capriole the title of 2026 Champion Cheese.
Champion Ice Cream
Salted Walnuts Ice Cream, Canopy Foods
Salted Walnut by Canopy Ice Cream showcases the creativity, craftsmanship and premium local ingredients that have made the Tasmanian producer a standout in Australia’s artisan ice cream industry. Handcrafted in small batches using the finest Tasmanian produce, Canopy Ice Cream draws inspiration from the island’s seasons and natural landscape to create distinctive flavours with a true sense of place. Combining a rich, creamy texture with perfectly balanced walnut and salted notes, Salted Walnut impressed judges with its exceptional flavour and quality, earning the title of 2026 Champion Ice Cream.
Champion Butter
Truffle Butter, Borghi's Dairy, Victoria
Borghi’s Dairy is renowned for creating artisan dairy products that celebrate quality, flavour and craftsmanship. Their award-winning Truffle Butter combines rich, creamy butter with the luxurious savoury notes of truffle to create a product that is both distinctive and versatile. This commitment to excellence and innovation earned Truffle Butter recognition as the 2026 Champion Butter.
Champion Cream
Milk Pure Pouring Cream, Tweedvale Dairies, South Australia
Milk Pure Pouring Cream by Tweedvale Dairies exemplifies the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail that have made the South Australian dairy producer a trusted name in premium dairy products. Made using high-quality milk and carefully crafted to deliver exceptional texture, richness and performance, Milk Pure Pouring Cream impressed judges with its purity, consistency and outstanding flavour. This commitment to dairy excellence earned Milk Pure Pouring Cream the title of 2026 Champion Cream.
Champion Milk
Premium Full Cream Milk, St David Dairy, Victoria
St David Dairy is renowned for producing premium dairy products that celebrate local sourcing, traceability and exceptional quality. Their Premium Full Cream Milk showcases the rich flavour and creamy texture that have become synonymous with the Melbourne-based dairy, reflecting a commitment to working closely with Gippsland farmers and delivering outstanding dairy products. This dedication to excellence earned Premium Full Cream Milk recognition as the 2026 Champion Milk.
Champion Savoury Preserve
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Caramelised Black Garlic Paste, Noosa Black Garlic, Queensland
Caramelised Black Garlic Paste by Noosa Black Garlic combines organically grown Noosa-region elephant garlic with artisan production methods to create a rich, sweet umami flavour experience. Celebrated for its quality, versatility and distinctive character, it impressed judges to earn the title of 2026 Champion Savoury Preserve.
Champion Sweet Preserve
Black Garlic Honey, Noosa Black Garlic, Queensland
Black Garlic Honey by Noosa Black Garlic pairs organically grown black garlic with locally sourced honey to deliver a distinctive sweet and savoury flavour experience. Celebrated for its quality, innovation and exceptional taste, it earned the title of 2026 Champion Sweet Preserve.
Champion Smallgoods
Tajima Wagyu Bresaola, Andrews Meat Industries, New South Wales
A family business, established in 1960 by Peter Andrews Snr, in Paddington, which has been built on hard work, honesty, respect and excellence and today is regarded as one of Australia’s leading food service meat suppliers
Excellence in Apprentice Butchery Trophy
Harry Owen, The Meat Inn Place, Victoria
Harry Owen of The Meat Inn Place has demonstrated outstanding skill, passion and dedication to the craft of butchery through his success in the apprentice competition. His award-winning products showcased technical excellence, creativity and a commitment to quality, reflecting the strong future of Australia’s meat industry. In recognition of his talent and achievement, Harry Owen was awarded the 2026 Excellence in Apprentice Butchery Trophy.
Champion Chilli Preserve
Signature Chilli Oil, Sim Sim Food Studio, Victoria
Signature Chilli Oil by Sim Sim Food Studio impressed judges with its bold flavour, balance and exceptional craftsmanship. Celebrated for its depth, versatility and quality, it earned the title of 2026 Champion Chilli Preserve.
Champion Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Punchbowl Hill Estate, Victoria
Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Punchbowl Hill Estate showcases the quality, care and craftsmanship behind one of Victoria’s finest olive oil producers. Crafted to highlight purity, balance and regional character, this award-winning oil impressed judges with its exceptional flavour, aroma and complexity. Its outstanding quality earned Extra Virgin Olive Oil the title of 2026 Champion Olive Oil.
Champion Olive Oil Producer
Fedra Olive Grove, Australian Capital Territory
Fedra Olive Grove is a boutique olive oil producer based in the Australian Capital Territory, dedicated to crafting premium olive oils that express quality, provenance and excellence. With a strong focus on meticulous grove management and careful production techniques, the business has developed a reputation for producing oils of exceptional balance, flavour and character. This commitment to quality earned Fedra Olive Grove recognition as the 2026 Champion Australian Olive Oil Producer.
Champion Australian Bakery
Piece of Cake Bakery, Victoria
Piece of Cake Bakery has earned a reputation for exceptional baking, combining traditional techniques with creativity, precision and a commitment to quality ingredients. Based in Victoria, the bakery produces handcrafted products that showcase outstanding flavour, texture and craftsmanship across a range of categories. This dedication to excellence earned Piece of Cake Bakery recognition as the 2026 Champion Australian Bakery.
Champion Bread
7 Fruit Sourdough, Backhaus Bakery, Victoria
7 Fruit Sourdough by Backhaus Bakery showcases the craftsmanship, quality ingredients and traditional baking techniques that have made the Victorian bakery a favourite among bread lovers. Combining exceptional texture, flavour and character, this award-winning loaf impressed judges with its balance and baking excellence. Its outstanding quality earned 7 Fruit Sourdough the title of 2026 Champion Bread.
Champion Baked Good
Lamb Stroganoff & Mushroom Pie, The Butcher Clun, Williamstown, Victoria
Lamb Stroganoff and Mushroom Pie by The Butcher Club Williamstown showcases the quality, creativity and craftsmanship behind one of Victoria’s leading artisan butchers. Combining premium ingredients with exceptional baking expertise, this award-winning pie impressed judges with its rich flavour, texture and overall eating experience. Its outstanding quality earned Lamb Stroganoff and Mushroom Pie the title of 2026 Champion Baked Good.
Champion Victorian Bakery
Piece of Cake Bakery, Victoria
Piece of Cake Bakery has built a reputation for exceptional baking, combining traditional techniques, premium ingredients and artisan craftsmanship. Based in Victoria, the bakery is renowned for producing high-quality breads, pastries and baked goods that consistently demonstrate outstanding flavour and skill. Their exceptional performance across the competition earned Piece of Cake Bakery the title of 2026 Champion Australian Bakery.
Champion Australian Independant CheeseMaker
Daniel Hales, Prom Country Cheese, Victoria
Daniel Hales of Prom Country Cheese is recognised for his dedication to artisan cheesemaking and his commitment to producing exceptional goat’s milk cheeses. Based in Victoria’s South Gippsland region, he has earned a reputation for crafting cheeses that showcase quality, character and craftsmanship. His outstanding contribution to independent cheesemaking earned Daniel Hales the title of 2026 Champion Australian Independent Cheesemaker.
Champion Small Meat Producer
Ashburton Meats, a proudly family-owned butcher in Victoria, has built its reputation on quality, craftsmanship and care. With decades of dedication to sourcing and producing premium cuts, their award-winning Gourmet Beef Burger reflects a tradition of excellence and innovation. Today, Ashburton Meats continues to be recognised as one of Australia’s standout small meat producers, bringing premium flavour and authenticity to every plate.