News

Located in Wonthaggi, Victoria, Mates Gin Distillery is redefining what it means to craft spirits. Founded by Kim Richardson, this award-winning distillery is not only producing world-class gin but also making a meaningful impact on the community. Their guiding philosophy? “Where Something for You Creates Something for Others.”

Bentleigh’s own craft butchery and smokehouse, The Lucky Pig, has taken out top honours at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards (MRAFA), earning national recognition for its dedication to traditional butchery, small-batch production and uncompromising quality.

Rustica Antipasto is a family-run business in the Yarra Valley bringing authentic Italian antipasto to Australian tables. Founded just two years ago by mother-and-son duo Connie and Ernesto Lando, the business began around the family table, with Connie sharing her homemade antipasto with friends and family.

From a passionate home-grown brewing dream to an internationally recognised craft beer destination, Call Me Papa Brewhouse is a rising star in Thailand’s vibrant beer scene—now proudly celebrating success on the world stage after winning two medals at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA).

This month, Melbourne Royal springs into celebrating our great Australian wine makers and dairy producers. We congratulate Meadowbank Wines Tasmania for winning the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy with their 2024 Pinot Noir at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, recently held in the Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds.