Cream of the crop for Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese

DELICIOUS and decadent dairy was in abundance at the 25th Australian Grand Dairy Awards held in Melbourne on Thursday evening hosted by Dairy Australia and the Royal Agriculture Societies. The annual awards acknowledge excellence, quality and innovation across 18 dairy product classes, attracting entrants from each Australian state.

Local Gippsland cheesemakers, Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese, took out the top prize of the evening the Grand Champion Cheese and Champion Blue Cheese for their Oak Blue cheese – making it the best cheese in Australia.

The winning champions represented each Australian state across categories such as cheese, ice cream, milk, yoghurt, butter, and gelato.

The rigorous judging process was conducted by a panel of expert judges comprising of dairy experts, cheesemongers, retailers, chefs, food experts from across the country.

World renowned cheese expert and Australian Grand Dairy Award chief judge Russell Smith said this year’s entries are testament to the innovation and creativity of producers, and Australia’s high-quality dairy.

“Each year we expect to taste exceptional dairy products. Year after year, our expectations are exceeded. The class of products presented saw winners and finalists from across the nation – showcasing the breath of excellence Australian dairy has to offer,” Mr Smith said.

“We’re thrilled to pay recognition to the talented producers that continue to invest time, energy, and passion into their craft. Australian dairy products continue to grow in strength, and no doubt the artisans at this year’s Australian Grand Dairy Awards have played a part in putting Aussie dairy on the world stage.”

Winner of the Grand Champion Cheese product Barry Charlton and Cheryl Hulls from Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheeses said the award was a welcome surprise.

“We are honoured to have been acknowledged on this occasion. Our Oak Blue is a crowd favourite among our customers, and this award is a testament to the hard work of the whole team to bring the best cheese to Victoria and Australia,” Barry said.

The Oak Blue also secured the 2024 Champion Blue Cheese, whilst Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese Riverine Blue took out the Champion Goat’s/Sheep’s/Buffalo Milk Cheese during the awards.

The duo and their dedicated team on Fish Creek-Foster Road are no strangers to the awards circuit after being names Supreme Specialist/Artisan Cheesemaker at the 2023 International Cheese and Dairy Awards, in Staffordshire England. Amongst their winning entries then was the Supreme Specialist/Artisan Cheesemaker: Champion winner Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese - Mossvale Blue; ICDA Trophy ‘Champion Asia/Australasia Cheese’ – Oak Blue; The Reefer 90s Award ‘Best Australian Cheese’ Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese – Riverine Blue; and Best Blue Vein Cheese (Soft) Open to non-UK Producers only. First: Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese Australia - Tarwin Blue. Second Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese Australia - Oak Blue.

The latest award is just as spectacular according to the pair.

“We are quite overwhelmed and excited,” Cheryl explained.

“The team are over the moon, and we are so proud of them – we’re on an absolute high.”

“Our cheesemakers do a fantastic job,” Barry added noting he no longer makes the cheese, only helps out, and it wouldn’t be for the dedication and passion of the team.

“We have a brilliant team, and we are so proud of them. The whole team is absolutely awesome.

“We are thrilled to have won and have such special cheesemakers to back us up – it’s very humbling.”

Dairy Australia Head of Marketing Glenys Zucco added the Australian Grand Dairy Awards is a long- standing legacy of Dairy Australia.

“We continue to be impressed by the quality of the entries year on year. This year was no exception,” Ms Zucco said.

The Awards saw 380 entrants across 18 categories judged on flavour, aroma, texture, body, and visual appearance to determine the finest products.

Cheryl and Barry relished the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations and reconnect with esteemed industry colleagues last Thursday before heading home on Friday to celebrate with the team.

“Everyone is treated as family – we are one big extended family – not just a number,” Barry remarked, noting they couldn’t wait to return and join the festivities.

“It goes to show that we are consistently keeping the quality and standards, and it shows our passion.”

But it was back to work come Monday with the Royal Sydney Show not too far away and World Cheese Awards in Wisconsin also around the corner.

“The (World Cheese Awards) are very technical with 22 Australian cheeses heading over – it’s wonderful to have so many Australian cheeses represented and for Australia to be competing on the world stage.”

As for the duos favourite bites:

“Our Riverine Blue, made with Buffalo milk, or Oak Blue,” Cheryl smiled.

“The same, I like a strong blue – the beautiful soft, creamy texture,” Barry added.

“We’d like to thank everyone in the Gippsland community for buying our products and supporting us.”

Australians are encouraged to look for the blue and gold medal on the pack when shopping for the award-winning products with Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheeses found in most independent local stores in the specialty cheese area including IGA Leongatha, Korumburra, Meeniyan, Foster, Tarwin Lower and San Remo. Meeniyan Pantry Cellar, Ethical Food Store Koonwarra, Fish Creek General Store, Gibsons Cafe Fish Creek, Aherns Fruit Market Foster, Prom Coast Collective, Udder and Hoe Kilcunda, Island Foodstore Cowes and Craig Young Butchery Mirboo North.

For more information about the products visit berryscreekcheese.com.

To extend the celebration, Australians are being called upon to help crown the winner of Australia’s Greatest Cheeseboard. Each cheeseboard features award-winning cheeses from around the country – and Dairy Australia have enlisted the help of top Aussie foodies to create their own perfectly paired cheeseboard in their own unique style.

Australian’s can cast their vote and going into the running to win a $1000 Ripe Cheese voucher here: dairy.com.au/our-programs/australian-grand-dairy-awards/cheeseboard-competition.

For more information visit dairy.com.au/agda