Australia’s best fine food producers have been unveiled after 10 days of judging coffee, bakery, and aquaculture products at the 2017 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show at Sydney Showground.
Diva Coffee from Belrose was presented the prestigious gold medal, taking out Champion Latté for its Diva Fair Trade Blend, which judges described as “beautifully balanced with a fantastic full palate”.
The high standard of quality required to earn a coveted gold medal was reinforced with just one being awarded in the 2017 competition, alongside 25 silver and 118 bronze medals.
In total, 301 coffee entries from 56 exhibitors were judged by an expert panel.
All coffees were roasted in Australia using locally and internationally grown beans. Categories judged included international and Australian-grown single origin and blend coffees across latte, espresso, plunger and decaffeinated.
Hosted by the not-for-profit Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show rewards excellence while promoting, fostering and encouraging the sustainable development of Australian agriculture.
The show’s coffee, professional bakery and aquaculture competitions were an opportunity for producers to benchmark their products against their peers with a win distinguishing them as a fine food industry leader.
More than 780 exhibits were judged between 31 January – 10 February with 12 champions awarded a coveted Sydney Royal Medal, and a further 52 gold, 134 silver and 239 bronze medals distributed.
Chair of the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, Sally Evans, says winners were selected by a panel of industry specialists through a blind judging process.
“Sydney Royal is committed to creating a competitive space that promotes the pursuit of excellence in the fine food, wine and produce sectors,” she says. “Australian companies continue to benefit considerably from winning a Sydney Royal medal. Doors are opened to new marketing opportunities both locally and internationally.”
In the professional bakery category, Brasserie Bread from Banksmeadow was awarded Champion Bread for its Flinders Ranges Sprouted Wheat thanks to its volume, delicate crumb and good texture.
A flavour trend was uncovered with The Gumnut Patisserie taking out Champion Pastry with its Salted Caramel Tartlet, and Cessnock’s Exquisite Cakes by Lennert Salted Caramel Slice winning Champion Cake.
This year the highest ever quality of oysters were presented to the judging panel, which was reflected in the results with 11 more gold medals awarded than in the 2016 competition.
Doyles Oysters from Batemans Bay claimed the Champion Sydney Rock Oyster, and the Champion Aquaculture Product Perpetual Trophy, donated by Noel Herbst OAM.
For more information visit www.rasnsw.com.au/