A boutique dairy processor near Ballarat, Vic, is thrilled to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Australian Grand Dairy Awards.
Dunnstown’s Inglenook Dairy has been named one of Australia’s top-three full cream milk producers, with the honour not lost on those in the family-run business.
Owner Rachael Peterken said just being named as a finalist for for the prestigious awards was kudos for the business.
“It would be amazing (to win), but even to just be in the top three is amazing,” she said.
“To be competing against some of the top dairies in the country is fantastic.”
Inglenook’s qualification for the AGDA came via gold medals at the Royal Melbourne Fine Food and Dairy Industry Association of Australia awards.
While the dairy continues to expand its brand, and can now be found all over Victoria, its main clientele is local cafes.
Ms Peterken said the difference between the Inglenook product and others was simple.
“We don’t do anything to it,” she said.
“We don’t standardise it, it’s just milk the way it is meant to be.
“When we found out (about the shortlisting) I said that it’s really exciting for the people who use our milk in cafes.
“It’s a little win for them as well and particularly for the ones that took us on really early – it’s confirmation for them (in regards to the quality of the product).”
Ms Peterken said Inglenook recently received an export licence – but remained a long way from making a name for itself in the international market.
However, she said the dairy was close to unveiling its own brand of natural Greek yoghurt, with butter also on the cards in the future.
AGDA award winners will be announced in February, 2016.
