Australian dairy producers have the chance to earn top honours, with entries opening on Monday for the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show's (RQFWS) dairy shows.
Entries have opened for the RQFWS Cheese and Dairy Produce Show and the Ice Cream, Gelato and Sorbet Competition.
The Dairy Produce Show is one of the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) oldest competitions dating back to the first Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in 1876, while the ice-cream competition was the first in the country dedicated to judging the best in sorbets, gelato and ice-cream.
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Renowned international food judge, cheesemaker and dairy connoisseur Russell Smith will once again oversee the competition, leading an expert judging panel of 14 of Australia's most respected and experienced food industry professionals.
Chief Judge Mr Smith said despite the harsh economic times, dairy producers had generally thrived.
"With hardly any imports due to COVID-19, local dairy producers, especially cheese makers, have been working overtime," he said.
"This has led to consumers discovering more of our wonderful Australian dairy products, which I hope they continue to purchase and support."
Competition winners have the opportunity to display their gold, silver, bronze or trophy medals on their product packaging, letting consumers know they're buying top quality Australian products.
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Medal-winners will also have the chance to showcase their dairy products to more than 800 consumers at the RQFWS Grape Grazing event on Friday, July 9, as well as have it featured at the Ekka.
All Gold Medal winners will be eligible to enter the Australian Grand Dairy Awards.
Entries must be in by Friday, April 9, with judging taking place from Monday, May 17, and the winners to be announced at an awards presentation on Friday, May 21.
To enter go to www.rqfws.com.au.
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