The stars of the Australian garlic industry recognised in the Australian Food Awards

Australia’s best garlic has been declared in Melbourne with the judging of the 2020 Australian Food Awards (AFA) Garlic Category wrapping up last week.

Conducted annually by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), the Australian Food Awards celebrate excellence and recognise the best producers of premium food across the country.   

With 32 entries into the Garlic component of the Awards, competition for the best garlic was fierce with RASV CEO Brad Jenkins impressed with the wide variety of garlic on offer.

“The Australian Food Awards provides valuable recognition for Australian garlic producers. The support of the Australian Garlic Industry Association has been tremendous, and it was wonderful to recognise the 32 producers from Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia that entered garlic this year.

“The Australian Food Awards provide exhibitors with a unique and valuable platform to leverage their success locally and internationally through the Australian Food Awards seal of excellence. Congratulations to the 25 medal winners. We look forward to seeing the Australian Food Awards medal artwork displayed proudly on your product and brand” said Mr Jenkins.

The RASV extends a congratulations to Boutique Garlic, Orange East, NSW on being awarded Best in Class for their Dunganski garlic (standard purple stripe).

The judging was overseen by Head Judge Penny Woodward who was impressed with the overall quality of garlic on offer.

“To award ten gold medals and 25 medals overall is a great indicator of the quality that was on offer this year. There was very little fungal disease, highlighting the drier conditions for harvest and curing and the flavors of all the garlic were more intense and complex than the last couple of years.”

“Once the garlic bulbs start to swell, they love hot dry conditions, so the 2019 season was perfect for growing and curing garlic” said Ms Woodward.

Joining Penny in the judging process this year were head chef Damian Sandercock, food writer Siu Ling Hui and garlic expert Trevor Gray.

Judging of all other Australian Food Awards categories including Beverages, Convenience Foods, Dairy, Frozen Dessert, Meat, Pantry Goods, Preserves, Produce, Seafood and Value-Add Grain Product will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds in July. Entries for the July judging will open on 28 April.