WA dairies seek national award honours

Mundijong-based Mundella Foods' Greek Natural Yoghurt and Premium Natural Yoghurt are two of three product finalists in the natural yoghurt section.

Northcliffe-based Bannister Downs Dairy Company's Double Cream is one of three finalists in the cream section.

This year, 56 producers of cheese, ice cream, milk, yoghurts, dips, gelatos and more from across Australia were named as finalists in the 18th year of the awards, representing the best in dairy quality and craft.

All finalists qualified for the awards by winning gold medals at State competitions throughout the year and winners will be announced in February.

A grand champion winner for each dairy category will also be named from section winners.

A panel of 24 judges, led by respected dairy educator Russell Smith and new deputy chief judge Mark Livermore, determined the finalists after two days of rigorous tastings.

"We're thrilled to announce the impressive line-up of 2017 finalists and pay recognition to the talented Australians who dedicate their time, passion and skill to producing high quality dairy foods for Australia and the rest of the world to enjoy," said Amanda Menegazzo, convener of the Australian Grand Dairy Awards.

"The calibre keeps improving year after year.

"We are rapt to see such a mix between old and new faces for 2017 - from established brands such as Bega Cheese, to new-comers like family owned Little Big Dairy," she said.

This year for the first time the public will have a chance to vote on their favourite cheese in a people's choice award.

Cheese lovers can vote for their favourite product at peopleschoiceaward. legendairy.com.au.