Australian Grand Dairy Awards
Australia’s best in dairy
The Australian Grand Dairy Awards shine a light on the very best in Australian dairy.
The Australian Grand Dairy Awards celebrate the best of the best—recognising top-quality local products, championing talented artisan makers and showcasing the skill, care and creativity behind Aussie dairy. They’re also a chance to show just how delicious, diverse and world-class Australian dairy really is.
Judging typically takes place in October, with winners revealed in November.
Got a question? Contact us at coordinator@granddairyawards.com.au
What it really takes to become a champion
The craft, care and passion behind every win.
Hear from passionate producers as they reflect on the journey behind becoming an Australian Grand Dairy Award Champion. From farm to factory, every step in the process contributes to truly standout dairy.
Plus, go behind the scenes of the rigorous judging process, the inspiration behind new flavours and the uncompromising quality that sets these products apart.
The best of the best in Aussie Dairy
Celebrating the finest dairy makers and their gold-medal-worthy creations.
About the awards
Since 1999, the Australian Grand Dairy Awards have championed excellence in local dairy. These awards highlight the producers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in dairy.
Only manufacturers of gold medal-winning products that are made from Australian milk and already judged at state or national competitions, are eligible. We told you, it’s the best of the best.
The awards acknowledge excellence in Australian products and celebrate the craft of local producers in both domestic and international markets, while offering a platform to showcase the quality of our homegrown dairy.
From 2023, the awards entered a new era, with Dairy Australia teaming up with the Royal Agricultural Societies. The Societies now lead the judging process, while Dairy Australia announces the winners and drives promotion. It’s a powerful partnership built on shared expertise, passion and a commitment to the future of Australian dairy.
Qualifying competitions
Only manufacturers of gold medal-winning products, made from Australian milk and already judged in Australia’s top qualifying competitions (listed below), are invited to enter the Australian Grand Dairy Awards.
State Royal Agricultural Shows:
- 2024 Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show
- 2024 Royal Queensland Cheese and Dairy Awards
- 2024 Perth Royal Dairy Awards 2024 Royal Adelaide Dairy Products Competition
- 2024 Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards (DIAA Tasmanian Dairy and Ice Cream Awards)
- 2024 Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards
Dairy Industry Association of Australia Awards:
- 2024 Dairy Industry Association of Australia Dairy Product Competition (WA)
- 2024 Dairy Industry Association of Australia Dairy Product Competition (National and VIC)
- 2024 Dairy Industry Association of Australia Dairy Product Competition (QLD)
- 2024 Dairy Industry Association of Australia Dairy Product Competition (NSW)
How to enter
Eligible manufacturers will be invited to enter a few months before judging, once results from qualifying state competitions are confirmed. The invitation will explain how to submit your gold-winning products from approved shows.
After we receive your entry, we’ll send an entry kit with product labels, delivery instructions and everything you need to complete your submission.
Partnership
Since 2023, the Australian Grand Dairy Awards have been delivered in partnership with the Royal Agricultural Societies.
The Societies manage the annual judging, while Dairy Australia hosts the winner announcement event and leads all promotional activity. The eligible entries continue to include RAS and DIAA gold medallists across dairy and cheese categories. Chief Judge Russell Smith independently selects and leads the judging panel, ensuring a process that’s objective, fair and consistent. This partnership further strengthens the awards by leveraging the skills and expertise of both organisations.
Dairy Australia and the Royal Agricultural Societies are proud to partner in celebrating quality Australian dairy and look forward to delivering the Australian Grand Dairy Awards for years to come.
Hall of fame
Explore the Australian Grand Dairy Awards Champions from the past five events.