Cobden’s Western Star Chef’s Choice unsalted cultured butter was last month -- for the third year -- named Champion Butter at the 2018 Australian Grand Dairy Awards.
Now in its 19th year, the awards recognise and reward Australia’s top producers for their expert craftsmanship in 18 products. In a rigorous judging process, 24 dairy experts sampled hundreds of gold medal winning products to crown their champions.
Cheeses, ice creams, milks, yoghurts and other products were assessed for flavour, aroma, texture, body and appearance.
The judges, led by dairy educators Russell Smith and Mark Livermore, commended Fonterra Brands’ Cobden’s Western Star Chef’s Choice butter for its distinctive cultured butter flavour and well-worked texture.
Caitlin Croft, quality manager Fonterra Brands, Cobden, says it’s an honour to be recognised by the awards for quality and craftsmanship.
“Hats off also to our farmers in the western district for producing the high-quality milk that becomes the key ingredient for Western Star; without them this award would not be possible.”
Amanda Menegazzo, convener of the Australian Grand Dairy Awards, says the awards are a great opportunity for local farmers and producers to be recognised on a national scale for their talent, hard work and making a positive contribution to the industry.
“The calibre of our 2018 champion products is testament to our dedicated dairy producers and the ingredient all these products have in common – Australian milk.”
