Judges across the country have sat and deliberated over the best produce from each state. As we gear up for the national judging we're looking at the awards criteria open to producers.

From the Dairy, Earth, Paddock & Sea

These awards/categories recognize and celebrate the restaurant-quality ingredients being produced by Australian growers and producers whose harvests and products are not only full of flavor but are the result of dedication, passion, knowledge and regard for the environment. Entry is open to produce that is Australian owned, grown, caught, sourced & produced, via nomination by a recognised chef or restaurateur.

Producer of the Year

This award identifies a producer who, in the opinion of the national judges, produces a benchmark product of exceptional quality in a sustainable and ethical way.

Outstanding Chef

This award celebrates the relationship between chefs and producers, and seeks to recognise those chefs who best highlight and celebrate local and regional provenance through their food.

Unearthed Next Gen Chef

Recognising the best talent amongst the young chefs who are making their mark on the Australian dining scene and whose menus highlight local and regional produce.

Outstanding Innovation

An award for an individual, group or community in the food or agriculture industry demonstrating outstanding innovation in the production of food and using sustainable and ethical methods to achieve such innovation.

Outstanding Region

This award is for an Australian region or place that has successfully established itself as an outstanding culinary destination.

Outstanding Food Store

This award recognises the important role played by food stores as an invaluable link between the grower and producer and the public.

Outstanding Farmers’ Market

For a vibrant and engaging community focused farmers’ market that displays ‘true authenticity’.

Maggie Beer Award for Outstanding Contribution to Australian Food

As patron of the awards, Maggie Beer recognizes someone who has had a significant impact on the direction, quality and recognition of Australian food.

*NEW: Outstanding Design

Celebrating the innovation and craftsmanship of Australian designed and made cooking and eating utensils, and dining tableware.

*NEW: Outstanding Region: Readers’ Choice

This award is for an Australian region or place that has successfully established itself as an outstanding culinary destination as voted for by delicious. readers.

*NEW: In the Bottle

This new award recognizes the innovative Australian drink-makers creating distinctive small-batch and handcrafted spirits, beers and ciders made from Australian ingredients.

*NEW: Best Product

Awarded to a 2016 finalist product, which, in the opinion of the national judges, is the most exciting product entry of the year.

Nominations have changed as well. This year we will be asking our judges, along with the country’s top chefs and restaurateurs, to nominate the passionate producers they work so closely with to source the ingredients for their menus to ensure we’re recognising produce of the highest quality.

Stay tuned for a new panel of experts and judges announced next month in delicious. magazine.

For any queries regarding the awards please contact the delicious. Produce Awards Project Manager, Lucy Allon.