A Sunshine Coast business has been recognised for crafting Australia’s best cheese.
The Woombye Cheese Company won the Grand Champion Dairy Product of Show with its Blackall Gold Washed Rind at the RNA’s Royal Queensland Awards at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
Chief judge Russell Smith lauded the business and its winning product.
“Woombye Cheese was the Grand Champion back in 2022 and they have reclaimed the title this year because their washed rind entry boasts exactly the flavour profile we are looking for in this style of cheese,” he said.
Owner and CEO Beth O’Leary was delighted to claim the awards.
“We are small but mighty and this award means so much to us and our region,” she said.
“I am very proud our team. They put such skill and passion into making this beautifully handcrafted product and deserve every accolade.”
Woombye Cheese also won the Champion Cow’s Milk Cheese of Show, with the same product.
A message, via the company’s social media, thanked supporters.
“It’s so lovely when friends, wholesalers, stockists, locals, cheese lovers and curd nerds celebrate our wins with us,” it said.
The results came off the back of the company’s runner-up showing in the washed rind competition at the World Championship Cheese Contest, with the same product, at Wisconsin in the United States.
Meanwhile, Maleny Dairies won the Champion Dairy Dessert at the awards, with its Natural Yoghurt.
Australia’s best beef, lamb, cheese, dairy, ice cream, gelato, sorbet, barramundi and prawns were crowned from 465 entries.
Some of the award-winning products will be showcased on the Royal Queensland Cooking Stage at the Royal Queensland Show (the Ekka) in August.
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