Australians were particularly enamored with their favourite producers in 2012, nominating a record 2000 products – double the number of the year before. There were a burgeoning number of boutique producers focusing on sustainability.

The judges were torn between two nominees for best new product, so crowned both Otway Forest Shittake Mushrooms, from Victoria, and The Cedar Street Cheeserie Buffalo Haloumi, from Queensland. The two stellar products also picked up from the earth (primary) and from the dairy (artisan) respectively.

The new ABC local radio community award went to Penelope Dodd, who runs Produce to the People, an organization that collects and redistributes excess produce to needy families.

Other Winners:
From the sea: Tathra Oysters, NSW (primary) and The Stock Merchant Sustainable Crab Stock, NSW (artisan)
From the dairy: Barambah Organics All Natural Yoghurt (primary)
From the paddock: Schuam Berkshire Pork, SA (primary) and Pure Pie Braised Beef, Red Wine and Rosemary Pie, VIC (artisan)
From the earth: Sweetness the Patisserie Florentines, NSW (artisan)
Hall of Fame: Mondo White Rocks Veal, WA
Outstanding Farmers Market: Gasworks Farmers Market, VIC
Regional Award: Daylesford Macedon Ranges, VIC
Outstanding use of regional produce by a chef: Annie Smithers, Annie Smithers Bistrot, VIC
Heritage award: Duncan Garvey, Perigord Truffles of Tasmania, TAS
Outstanding Provedore: John Susman, Fisheads Seafood Strategy, NSW
Maggie Beer award for outstanding contribution to Australian food: Joe Grilli, Primo Estate, SA