THE country’s best fine food producers have been unveiled after ten days of judging outstanding bakery, coffee and aquaculture products at the 2017 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show.
Hosted by the not-for-profit Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, the Show rewards excellence while promoting, fostering and encouraging the sustainable development of Australian agriculture.
The Coffee, Professional Bakery and Aquaculture competitions saw producers benchmark their products against their peers with a win distinguishing them as a fine food industry leader.
More than 780 exhibits were judged between January 31 and February 10 with 12 champions being 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, said 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,” Ms Evans said.
“Australian companies continue to benefit considerably from winning a Sydney Royal medal. Doors are opened to new marketing opportunities both locally and internationally,” she added.
Earning a crust
THE Sydney Royal Professional Bakery Competition saw 19 Gold, 65 Silver and 98 Bronze medals awarded.
More than 340 entries across 64 classes were submitted by professional bakers from across the country.
Brasserie Bread from Banksmeadow was awarded Champion Bread for their Flinders Ranges Sprouted Wheat thanks to its astounding volume, delicate crumb and good texture.
A flavour trend was uncovered with The Gumnut Patisserie taking out Champion Pastry with their Salted Caramel Tartlet, and Cessnock’s Exquisite Cakes by Lennert Salted Caramel Slice winning Champion Cake.
The Gumnut Patisserie in Mittagong also saw their rising star, Samantha Trotter win Best Apprentice/Student Exhibit. Judges described her Blueberry and Custard Brioche, Raspberry Croissants and Vanilla Slice as an amazing selection of products with great consistency.
The apprentice and student classes encourage the development of upcoming bakery professionals, ensuring the industry’s continued success.
Something fishy...
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 being awarded than in the 2016 competition. A total of 99 medals were awarded in 2017 consisting of 32 Gold, 44 Silver and 23 Bronze.
Doyles Oysters from Batemans Bay claimed the Champion Sydney Rock Oyster and the Champion Aquaculture Product Perpetual Trophy donated by Noel Herbst OAM.
Other championship winners included:
Champion Prawn: Pacific Reef Fisheries
Champion Barramundi: Pejo Enterprises
Champion Fresh Fish: Murray Gold Australia
Champion Salmon Product: Pialligo Estate
Champion Trout Product: Arc-en-Ciel Rainbow Trout
Keen as a bean
A TOTAL 301 entries from 56 exhibitors were judged by an expert panel of Australia’s most respected and fine-tuned palates.
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.
Diva Coffee from Belrose was presented the prestigious Gold Medal, taking out Champion Latté for their Diva Fair Trade Blend which judges described as beautifully balanced with a fantastic full palate.
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.
Alex Druce
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
