Australia’s “oldest and largest” dairy co-operative Norco is toasting 27 medal wins at the National Dairy Industry Association (DIAA) of Australia 2024 Awards of Excellence.
The Dairy Industry Association of Australia hosts annual national and state dairy product competitions based on technical merit and judged by industry experts on flavour and aroma, body and texture, condition, colour, and finish of dairy products.
The 100% farmer-owned co-operative scooped up 10 Gold medals and 17 Silver medals across various categories with its Norco Lactose Free Milk and Norco REAL Iced Coffee Triple Shot achieving the highest scores in their respective categories.
Norco Lactose Free Full Cream and Lactose Free Lite Milks were both awarded Gold in the Modified Milk category for being carefully crafted with an enzyme that removes the lactose, making it gentle for those Aussies who might have an intolerance to Lactose, but still want to enjoy the same great taste and nutritional benefits that the regular Norco dairy milk provides.
The energy boosting Norco REAL Iced Coffee Triple Shot was again awarded Gold in the Flavoured Milk Coffee category.
Norco Chief Executive Officer Michael Hampson says awards of this caliber honours Norco’s hard working and dedicated farmers.
“To be recognised by the industry for producing as some of the nation’s finest products, speaks volumes about our co-operative’s commitment to creating fresh, great tasting dairy.
“From the farm all the way to our milk factories in Labrador and Raleigh, these awards are a true testament to our people’s continuous commitment, dedication and effort to deliver high quality standards across our entire range of dairy products,” Mr Hampson said.
Norco dairy farmer Warren Gallagher said it is terrific that the co-op’s products are acknowledged at a national level.
“We were only just recently awarded Champion at the Grand Dairy Awards for our Norco Lactose Free Milk, so it’s outstanding that it continues to be recognised.
“For us farmers each day, we simply get up and care for our herd and milk our cows, so these awards make us really proud of what we do.
“It also shows the value in partnering with a processor who is dedicated to supporting us day in day out,” Mr Gallagher said.
Gold medals were also awarded to Norco Pure Jersey Milk, Norco Cream Top Non Homogenised Full Cream Milk, Norco Organic Milk, Norco REAL Iced Chocolate (x2), Norco REAL Iced Strawberry, and Norco Sour Cream.
To enter the DIAA Dairy Product Awards, all dairy products must be manufactured in Australia, comply with the Dairy Products clause of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and be available commercially.
The Norco Lactose Free Full Cream and Lactose Free Lite Milk is available in 2L and 1L sizes, and the Norco REAL Iced Coffee Triple Shot is available in 500ml and 750mL. Both products are available at Coles, Woolworths and independent supermarkets.