Royal Agricultural Society of NSW announces finalists for the 18th annual President’s Medal

Eight exceptional food and beverage producers have been recognised as industry leaders and innovators by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, with the organisation today announcing the finalists for its prestigious 18th Annual President’s Medal award.

The only award of its kind in Australia, the President’s Medal rewards Australian businesses who not only offer an exceptional quality product but have excelled in all aspects of the production cycle, including their commercial success, environmental footprint, and social impact. 

The eight worthy finalists represent the best of the best, as eligibility for the President’s Medal requires having first won a Champion Medal or Trophy in one of the Sydney Royal Wine, Beer & Cider, Distilled Spirits, Cheese & Dairy, or Fine Food competitions in 2024. 

This year has seen the number of finalists increase from six to eight for the first time, to account for both the exceptional quality of entrants and the growth of the competitions under the Sydney Royal Banner. This includes the introduction of the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Competition in 2024, which has already claimed a finalist position in its inaugural year due to the outstanding quality of its entrants.

President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, John Bennett, expressed his admiration for this year’s finalist cohort.

“The President’s Medal Award is the pinnacle of our food and beverage competitions, and it is our privilege to be able to celebrate these talented producers and the positive impact they are having on the agricultural industry and its future direction”, John Bennett said. 

“The quality of entrants is getting stronger each year, and this year is no exception. I congratulate the finalists on their success and journey so far, and wish the judges luck in making, what I’m sure will be, a difficult decision”. 

Representing a broad range of produce across Australia, this year’s finalists are:

Angel Oysters Australia – Port Lincoln, SA
Cobram Estate Olives – Boort, Victoria
Gumshire Pork – Keyneton, SA
Inglewood Organic – Inglewood, QLD
Lord Howe Island Distilling Co – Lord Howe Island, NSW
Mandolé Orchard – Lake Wyangan, NSW
Reckless Brewing Co – Bathurst, NSW
Tathra Oysters – Mimosa Rocks National Park, NSW

The 2025 finalists will be assessed by judges Simon Marnie, and Kate Lorimer-Ward who will travel to the production site of each business to gain a first-hand understanding of its operations, production processes, and role within the community. 

“It is an honour to be part of a competition that not only rewards quality Australian products, but also acknowledges the overall integrity of their production practices and the innovative methods these businesses use to produce their food”, said Simon Marnie.   

“This year’s finalists have demonstrated exceptional products and production processes to get to this point and I’m looking forward to going out and meeting the producers at their place of operation and witnessing the good work they do”.

Site tours for the President’s Medal finalists will commence on Monday, 20 January, with the winner announced at a special dinner, held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on 16 April.

Information on all eight finalists can be found on our website. 

For further information or media requests, please contact:

Samantha Cannings
Communications and Public Relations Executive
M: 0411 864 836
E: scannings@rasnsw.com.au 

Nicola Dalby
Manager – Communications and Public Relations 
M: 0434 579 906 
E: ndalby@rasnsw.com.au