Two Hunter enterprises are milking their success following the annual Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show.
The popular event showcases a wide range of categories from champion butter and cream to best speciality cheese and flavoured milk.
And, in 2025, the Hunter Belle Dairy Co and Binnorie Dairy both took top prizes at the awards for their outstanding products.
The former, based in the Upper Hunter, claimed the Jim Forsyth Perpetual Trophy for Champion White Milk.
Meanwhile, Binnorie Dairy in Lovedale was given a gold medal for its famous Labna, a Greek delicacy created by straining yoghurt to remove most of its whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture.
More than 91% of entrants received an award, proving Australia’s milk products to be next-level delicious.
Chair of judges Tiffany Beer said the increase in accreditation was partly due to farmers and manufacturers focusing on techniques to create better textures and well-balanced flavour profiles.
“This year’s judging revealed some outstanding products, with many high-quality dairy products battling it out for the championship spots,” she explained.
“The results demonstrate that Australian dairy producers are putting quality first; with many utilising the feedback provided by our judges in 2024 and taking the time to refine their products and make the small tweaks that have delivered incredible outcomes.
“As a result, Australian consumers are getting world-class local dairy products right at their doorstep – they are the real winners here.”
The judge said hard and white cheeses were a standout class this year, with a huge increase in the quality of white mould products on the market.
But, the real kickers were the non-bovine classes, showing drastic improvements in overall rankings.
Ms Beer recommended consumers indulge in alternative dairy sources such as sheep, goat and even camel.
“Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in flavoured desserts and different flavours in ice cream and gelato such as matcha, green tea and black sesame,” she said.
“But, what was notable in 2025 was the exploration and maturation of balanced flavour profiles such as Yuzu and sweet potato.”
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