The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) has announced its line up of expert judges for the 2016 Australian Food Awards (AFA).
The AFA is Australia’s leading national fine food awards program that celebrates and recognises excellence in Australian premium food producers and produce.
Eight AFA categories will be recognised with trophies to overall champions, as well as small, medium and large Champion Producer awards.
A panel of highly-esteemed expert judges will crown the overaching Champion Australian Produce/Product.
This year’s panel of judges includes internationally acclaimed Luke Mangan of Salt Grill, glass and Mojo; Scott Pickett, Head Chef of Estelle; Ian Curley, Executive Chef at The European; Miranda Sharp, Director of Melbourne Farmers Market; Frank Camorra, Chef and Owner of MoVida; Vanessa Kwiatkowski, Rooftop Honey; and many more.
Over 100 experts will judge in specialised areas across categories including Dairy, Meat, Poultry, Fresh Produce, Grains and Pulses, Pantry Goods, Convenience Foods and Seafood.
The best in the business will receive the AFA national brand seal of excellence.
Specialised category judges include Christy Tania, Executive Pastry Chef at the Langham; Flo Geradin of Oter in Flinders Lane; and representatives of Milawa Cheese Company, Fancy Hanks, Canals Seafood, MoVida, and many more.
“RASV is thrilled with the high-calibre of judges on board for the inaugural year of the Australian Food Awards. This is a true testament to the high quality producers who have entered their products in this year’s awards, and reflects consumer interest in provenance and premium food production,” said RASV CEO, Mark O’Sullivan.
“A significant number of the judges have retail or restaurant backgrounds and the results of these Awards will potentially allow them to identify premium produce to use and sell.”
More than 1500 entries will be judged from 7 – 22 July, with Olive Oil judged in August.
Winners will be announced at the AFA Gala Presentation Dinner on 8 September.
For more information on the Australian Food Awards, visit food.rasv.com.au