Western Australia’s dairy industry has once again showcased its depth, diversity and quality, with producers from across the State claiming top honours at the 2026 Perth Royal Food Awards – Dairy.
Held on Friday 19 June, the awards celebrate excellence across Australia’s dairy sector, recognising outstanding products ranging from artisan cheeses and premium milk to yoghurt, butter, ice-cream and gelato.
This year’s competition awarded 15 Champion Trophies, 68 Gold, 105 Silverand 20 Bronze Medals to producers from Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.
Products were blind judged by an independent panel of experts to ensure every entry was assessed solely on merit.
Among the standout performers was South West producer Cambray Cheese (Cundinup, WA), who claimed six Champion Trophies including the coveted Champion Overall Dairy Product for its Washed Rind Brie.
Accepting the award, Cambray Cheese Owner Tom Wilde shared that only the day before judging he had been contemplating retiring the Washed Rind Brie from the range, joking that he was “so sick of washing it”. After taking home multiple Champion trophies, he conceded the team may need to reconsider that decision.
“We are thrilled to receive these awards and are particularly pleased to win the major overall dairy award for one of our cow’s milk cheeses. We’re very well known for our sheep milk cheeses, but we actually produce more cow’s milk cheeses now, so a win like this for our Washed Rind Brie is especially exciting.
“We’d also like to acknowledge our amazing cow’s milk supplier, the Letchford family in Walsall (Busselton), with whom we have enjoyed a 15-year relationship. As sheep dairy farmers, we know firsthand how much work goes into running a dairy farm, so we thank them for producing such beautiful quality milk.
“We must also mention Bannister Downs Dairy, as we add some of their Fresh Cream, which won Champion Cream, to our Washed Rind Brie to give it that extra creaminess. This cheese really is a collaboration between farmers, all striving to be the best at what they do.
“A lot of hard work goes into making great cheese. Recognition and wins at the Perth Royal Food Awards are always incredibly rewarding for us as a small producer, and we take great motivation from them,” said Tom.
Among the night’s other major winners was Bannister Downs Dairy (Northcliffe, WA), whose Non-Homogenised Milk, Choc Cherry Delite and Fresh Cream each received Champion honours. Managing Director Suzanne Daubney said the recognition was especially meaningful for the family-owned business.
“We won our very first Champion Milk Trophy at the Royal Agricultural Society of WA Dairy Awards in 2005, so it is such an honour to be here 21 years later and receive Champion Milk for our Non-Homogenised Milk. We are absolutely ecstatic to also win Champion Flavoured Milk and Champion Cream. We couldn’t wish for a better endorsement of the quality of our fresh dairy products.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Society’s team for all the work they do to organise this competition and awards event. It means a great deal to our industry.
“With so many challenges facing businesses right now, it’s wonderful to receive recognition for the hard work of our team. These awards are a very big thank you to the people who bring such care, passion and effort to producing the best dairy products possible every single day.”
Excellence was recognised right across the industry, with Bega Dairy & Drinks named Most Successful WA Dairy Exhibitor, and category champions awarded to Brownes Foods, Posh Pops by Simmo’s Ice Creamery, Mimmo’s Gourmet Gelato, Gelavita Gourmet Gelato and The Butter People.
Robyn Sermon, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, said, “These awards highlight the incredible diversity of Australia’s dairy industry. From family-owned cheesemakers and boutique gelato producers to some of the country’s best-known dairy brands, the common thread is an unwavering commitment to quality.
“We’re really fortunate that we have access to such amazing food across Western Australia, and we should be proud of the strength, innovation and craftsmanship that continues to define the dairy sector.”
As consumers become increasingly interested in where their food comes from and how it is made, the Perth Royal Food Awards continue to help shoppers discover new products.
Presented by the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, the Dairy competition forms part of the wider Perth Royal Food Awards program, celebrating excellence in Australia’s food and beverage industry.
Gold medal winners are eligible to enter the prestigious Australian Grand Dairy Awards.
A full list of winners is available in the 2026 Perth Royal Food Awards – Dairy Results Catalogue at raswa.org.au/perth-royal-food-awards.
