Barambah Organics won a record haul of awards at the Dairy Industry Association of Australia Awards of Excellence in Melbourne on 13 May, including the evening’s top prize, Most Outstanding Show Exhibit (large producers) for its organic skimmed milk.
“The non-homogenised 0.1% fat milk has now been recognised at the ceremony three years running after winning Gold in 2020 and 2021 and is officially Australia’s best tasting milk.”
The panel of expert judges tasted over 1000 cheeses, yoghurt, butters, milks and ice creams before awarding it the top prize.
Barambah Organics CEO Matt Stanton says the award was no surprise.
“When it comes to fresh, skimmed milk, Barambah Organics is officially la crème de la non-crème!” he said. “Our customers already know that we produce Australia’s best-tasting milk and it’s great the judges have agreed.
“It’s an astonishing achievement for an organic dairy to beat all the industry big boys and win the most important award. Our skimmed milk isn’t only the country’s best milk, it’s the best dairy product, which is an enormous honour and proves that happy, organic cows produce delicious tasting milk.”
The company, which includes yoghurt brand five:am and East Coast Sustainable Dairy, was voted “number one” for taste in a total of six categories:
- Best tasting feta cheese
- Best tasting low fat, natural yoghurt
- Best tasting modified milk (non-fat)
- Best tasting coffee-flavoured full-fat milk
- Best tasting overall milk
- Best tasting flavoured milk.
Overall, Barambah Organics won seven gold medals and 26 silver medals, a record for the company.
Mr Stanton said the awards are the result of the nutrient-rich diet of Barambah’s 1100 organic cows on its three organic farms in the south of Queensland and far north of NSW.
“Our cows are free to munch on lush, green grass all day which results in healthier, tastier milk, cheese and yoghurt,” he said. “I’m really proud of the incredible work our farmers do every single day, and they’re thrilled that their efforts have been recognised in such a spectacular way!”
The market
“Demand for organic food is soaring in Australia with average growth of 13% over the last decade as consumers switch to healthier produce that’s better for the planet. Revenue growth in organic farms rose by 12.3% in the last year alone, according to IBIS World analysts, with the industry now worth well over $2.6 billion. An extra half a million Aussies have started buying organic food in the last year alone.
“Australia has 23 million hectares of organic agricultural land, more than any other country.
“Studies have shown that organic farming uses 45% less energy, 20% less water and releases 40% fewer carbon emissions. Not only that, but organic cows are happier and produce healthier milk with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.”
For more information, visit barambahorganics.com.au.