Dellendale Creamery named best cheese in Australia at 26th Grand Dairy Awards
Denmark’s Dellendale Creamery have claimed the title of best cheese in Australia at the 26th Australian Grand Dairy Awards held at Melbourne Showgrounds on Wednesday.
The Great Southern wash-rind that features an aromatic sweetness and nutty flavour beat out 31 other cheeses from around the country to be declared Australia’s best cheese.
Dellendale Creamery’s director and cheesemaker Chris Vogel said he could not have anticipated the challenges of running a creamery after founding the cheese business in 2010, but said he has no regrets.
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“This prestigious recognition reflects the knowledge we’ve built over 15 years and our small team’s passion and endeavour in handcrafting, washing and tending to every wheel of cheese in our cellar,” he said.
“We’ve always believed in the quality and tradition behind our cheeses, and this award is a testament to that commitment.”
The awards received 406 entries across 22 categories, with a key criterion for entry that products be made with 100 per cent Australian milk.
International cheese judge Jill Allen said submissions to the competition included a high quality “wealth of products” ranging from yoghurts, milks, and cheddars.
“This year, I’ve seen a lot of flavours that I haven’t encountered before, especially from my past judging in the US, which speaks to the characteristics and diversity of Australian dairy,” she said.
“To have this accolade bestowed on a product is a nod to the quality and standard of a producer.
“Australian consumers can feel confident knowing that when they purchase a product with a blue and gold medal, that they’ll be experiencing the very best of Australian dairy.”
