Seven Barossa businesses have taken out top awards across multiple categories at the SA Dairy Awards, held at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show.
One of these being Jersey Fresh, Greenock, who won silver for their full cream milk and top gold for their pouring cream, which has actually done well the past couple of years.
Since the team have entered their pouring cream it has won either silver or gold medals, or like this year, top gold.
Mrs Lisa Werner, Jersey Fresh, explained that each item is judged out of 20 points, so there can be multiple gold or silver medal winners in each class.
But top gold means they have the highest points out of that category.
Lisa said this was ‘really exciting’ for them, particularly because pouring cream started as just a bit of a bi-product.
They had been working with restaurants around the Barossa that love the thick cream, but wanted one that was a bit more versatile.
“We all watched mum for years put a bit of milk back into the thick cream and stir it to thin it down so she could whip it and put it into recipes,” said Lisa.
“So in talking to these chefs we decided to thin it down and that’s how pouring cream began. It’s now in high demand. Businesses sometimes have minimum order quantities, we now actually have a maximum order.”
Lisa added that it was also nice that their pouring cream has actually gone towards other businesses success in the dairy awards.
For example, Barossa Valley Ice Cream Company exclusively use the cream in their products.
The cream can also be used for pouring on apple crumble, whipping, into creamy soups, casseroles, salad dressings and much more.
“To see so many medals going to a region that’s not known for it’s dairy industry, and where dairy numbers are actually dwindling, it’s really nice. We’re here doing great things,” said Lisa.
“It re-iterates to us that what we’re doing is positive and we just have a great product that’s appreciated by so many. Our team are very passionate about what they’re putting on the shelves.”
Jersey Fresh weren’t the only ones with SA Dairy Award success, with six other local businesses also winning a range of silver, gold and top gold awards.
Barossa Valley Cheese Company, Angaston won three awards - top gold for their Barossa Triple Cream, and silver medals for Barossa Camembert and Barossa La Dame.
Ms Victoria McClurg, founder/head cheese maker, explained that it was ‘always great’ to get recognition for the products they make.
“We’re really proud. It’s Barossa cows milk and our cheese is made here in Angaston,” said Victoria.
“It’s a really nice reflection of the Barossa and shows our cheese making team are doing a great job.”
Barossa Valley Ice Cream Company took out five awards, receiving gold for their Barossa Honey and Rosemary Ice Cream.
Silver awards also went to their ice cream flavours, Barossa Ginger, Barossa Hokey Pokey, Barossa Black Liquorice and Barossa Salty Caramel.
Ms Julie Donnellan of Barossa Valley Ice Cream Company was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to receive this award.
“We use Jersey Fresh pouring cream which won top gold so it’s nice to use award winning cream,” said Julie.
Tanunda’s Barossa Valley Chocolate Company won top gold for their Barossa Valley Apple Cider boxed chocolates.
They also won top gold in the ‘chocolate bars’ category and silver in ‘novelty chocolate display piece’.
Mirror Mirror Patisserie, based out of the Barossa Farmers Market in Angaston, received gold for ‘tropical’ in the Inaugural Entrant’s Boxed Chocolates Single Variety category.
Ms Winni Wong, owner said she was ‘so, so surprised’ but of course, very happy.
“It was my first time taking chocolate to the show. I usually just have cakes at the market and now I’ve won gold for chocolate,” she said.
“I love playing with chocolate and I will be making a lot more.”
Tanunda’s Beans and Cream took home gold awards for their gelato flavours, House Roasted Coffee, Chocolate Orange Zest and the Classic Boysenberry.
They received silver medals for their Vanilla Bean Gelato, Burnt Caramel Gelato and Cherry Choc Crunch Gelato.
Tweedvale Milk, Lobethal received the top gold for their Traditional Milk, as well as gold for their Pure Double Cream and silver for their Pure Pouring Cream.
