Tasmania’s King Island Dairy has dominated the South Australian Dairy Awards, securing seven gold medals and the prestigious Champion Trophy ahead of the Royal Adelaide Show.
The Champion Trophy for Best Hard or Semi-Hard Variety Other Than Cheddar was awarded to the dairy’s Heidi Farm Tilsit, cementing the 120-year-old cheesemaker’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier artisan producers.
Gold medals were also awarded to Heidi Farm Gruyere, Heidi Farm Raclette, Roaring Forties Blue, Endeavour Blue, Black Label Double Brie washed rind, and Stokes Point Smoked Cheddar.
The King Island team also claimed silver medals for their Surprise Bay Cheddar, Furneaux Decadently Creamy double cream style brie, and Seal Bay Triple Cream brie.
“We’re beyond thrilled with these results,” said Managing Director Nick Dobromilsky.
“It goes to show that Australians still have a deep love for locally made artisan cheese and we’re proud of the entire King Island Dairy family for achieving these monumental results.”
The latest success follows five gold medals at the Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards and positions the dairy strongly for the Australian Grand Dairy Awards in October.
The historic dairy recently returned to Australian ownership after entrepreneurs Graeme Wilson and Tasmanian Nick Dobromilsky purchased the operation from Saputo earlier this year.
As the island’s largest employer, the dairy’s new leadership team say they plan to invest in product innovation and enhance retail partnerships.
