Battle for milk
OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not keen on giving any ground to its competitors in the country.
The co-op's Duck River Premium Butter - made at its Spreyton site in northern Tasmania - was crowned Champion Butter at this month's Australian Grand Dairy Butter.
The recognition follows another win last month at the 2023 Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Produce Show, where Duck River also claimed the Champion Butter title.
For years, Fonterra's Western Star salted butter has been the best butter brand across the Tasman.
Made at the co-op's Cobden site in western Victoria, Western Star took out the Champion Butter title for the 10th time at the Australian Grand Dairy Awards.
Fonterra says Duck River butter is a true reflection of the quality milk it sources from farmers in Tasmania, as well as the hardworking team at Spreyton.
Fonterra Spreyton site manager Douglas Overdijk says the team at Spreyton is proud of the recognition.
"We are incredibly proud that our Duck River has been recognised by industry experts and named Champion Butter at this year's Australian Grand Dairy Awards," he told Dairy News.
"This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality of milk sourced from our hardworking farmers in Tasmania, and the expert craftsmanship of our skilled butter makers who transform this milk into great-tasting butter."
The Australian Grand Dairy Awards are widely recognised as the ultimate dairy competition in Australia, showcasing and rewarding the finest quality dairy produce from across the country.
The pathway to be eligible for these awards requires winning at a Royal Show or at the Dairy Industry Association Australia Awards.
This year, more than 300 of Australia's top dairy products were put through a rigorous judging process, assessed by a panel of judges on flavour, aroma, texture, body, and appearance.
Fonterra says it is honoured that Duck River was selected as the top choice in the butter category.
The Grand Champion Cheese prize at this year's awards went to Woombye Cheese Company in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland for its Woombye Blackall Gold cheese.
The company's website describes the winning cheese as "surprisingly mild while young but develops a more robust flavour as it ripens".
"It's perfect for something different on your cheeseboard with its orange appearance and is as good as any European cheese."
Woombye says creating beautiful cheese is its passion.
