CEO Update: July 2024

Endorsed by the Australian Distillers Association, the Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards offer distillers an invaluable opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship and innovation, while also receiving recognition and feedback from Australia’s leading industry experts. I thank our Distilling Industry Advisory group represented by Sebastian Costello (Australian Distillers Association), Shaun Byrne (Maidenii and Cap & Bells), Sebastian Reaburn (Anther Distillery), Caroline Ashford (The Gin Queen), Luke McCarthy (Oz Whisky Review) and Julian White (Whisky & Alement) who assist us further advance these awards and provide even greater value to distillers.

Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards judging was completed on 25 June for the Smallgoods category followed by Sweet and Savoury Preserves from 27 to 28 June and Dairy on 2 July at Melbourne Showgrounds. The judges assessed and scored more than 720 entries on a set of six criteria – colour, flavour, texture and body, aroma, trueness to description and finish of product. All entries must be 100% produced in Australia and commercially available for retail. The winners of the 2024 Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards will be announced on Thursday 3 October in Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds and you are welcome to attend and enjoy a fabulous afternoon.

Congratulations to Rohan Smith who has been appointed Chair of the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards Committee. Rohan has a passion for soil and vines and making wine that is reflective of the site from which it comes and has a strong belief that we are custodians of the land that we farm, to ensure sustainability for now and generations to come. He has worked for an array of vineyards and wineries across the Peninsula including Elgee Park, Merricks Estate, Foxeys Hangout and as winemaker at Handpicked wines, before taking his particular passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay North to join Medhurst Wines in the Yarra Valley as Chief Winemaker.

I take this opportunity to thank the immediate past Chair of the Wine Awards Committee Samantha Isherwood. We are incredibly grateful for the considerable time and commitment Sam devoted to enhancing the reputation of the awards in the Australian wine industry and the support she has provided to the Melbourne Royal team.

Trade exhibition and conference for the agribusiness sector, FutureAg Expo, is confirmed to be held in 2025 following the incredible success of the inaugural event earlier this year. Melbourne Royal is an official partner of FutureAg Expo 2025 at Melbourne Showgrounds from 6-8 August. For more information visit futureagexpo.com.au

The 2024 Melbourne Royal Show is fast approaching and preparations to maximise the appeal and success of the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show for all involved are progressing well. The quality and variety of experiences, entertainment and attractions at this year’s Show have been curated to enhance the value proposition for the price of admission. Amazing new attractions and entertainment, more farm experiences and animals and greater value with loads more free fun things to see, do, taste and discover. We are looking forward to admission tickets going on sale and launching our media campaign on Thursday 8 August.

The true stars of the Show are the livestock and their handlers, show horses and their champion riders, and championship dogs and their owners, along with woodchoppers all competing to win a coveted Melbourne Royal blue ribbon. Entries across all competitions are very good with a significant increase in entries for Horses in Action, particularly showjumping. Thank you to everyone who has already lodged their entries, if you haven't already entered, many Melbourne Royal Competitions remain open, so I encourage you to visit melbourneroyal.com.au and make sure you get your entry in before the respective closing dates.

Being a Melbourne Royal Member is a fabulous way to experience the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show and there is still time to join. As a valued Melbourne Royal member, you can enjoy complimentary admission for you and a guest to the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show along with access to members hospitality areas and the reserved seating area in the Grandstand and at the Arena to enjoy the spectacular entertainment. If you are also planning a trip to attend the Ekka in Brisbane, make sure you take advantage of the reciprocal rights on offer as a Melbourne Royal Member.

To join today, simply visit melbourneroyal.com.au/membership and complete the online application. Alternatively, you can email membership@melbourneroyal.com.au and request an application form be mailed to you.

Thank you for your ongoing involvement and interest in Melbourne Royal. I look forward to sharing all the exciting news around the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show next month.

 

Brad Jenkins
CEO, Melbourne Royal