Entries are open for the 2025 Australian International Beer Awards!
21 Jan 2025 / Beer
Introducing Cider & Perry categories, four new trophies & three new beer classes
Entries are now officially open for the Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), the world’s largest annual beer competition evaluating both draught and packaged beer. This year’s Awards bring exciting updates, including a new Cider and Perry category, four additional trophies, and three new beer classes.
Melbourne Royal invites breweries and cideries from around the globe to showcase their craft, compete on an international stage and receive invaluable feedback from an esteemed panel of Australian and international judges.
This year, participants will vie for 14 major trophies—including the coveted Champion Australian Beer and Champion International Beer trophies—and 24 category trophies.
In an exciting development, the Independent Brewers Association (IBA) and Melbourne Royal will celebrate independent breweries on the global stage for the first time at the 2025 AIBA. This collaboration ensures that independent brewing excellence continues to be recognised despite the temporary hiatus of the Independent Beer Awards in 2025. The two new trophies for independent breweries are Champion Australian Independent Beer and Champion Australian Independent Brewery.
“Melbourne Royal is a proud supporter of the Australian independent brewing industry, and we are excited to judge the indies and present these two trophies for the first time in 2025 as part of the Australian International Beer Awards,” says Kirrily Waldhorn, Senior Manager F&B Awards at Melbourne Royal.
Further expanding its reach, the Awards now include a Cider and Perry category. Trophies for Best Cider or Perry and Champion Cider or Perry Producer will provide cideries with a unique platform to showcase their innovation and quality in both draught and packaged formats.
"The Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards continue to champion the beer industry by recognising excellence, supporting brewers and cider makers, and celebrating their craft. This year’s additions, including Cider and Perry categories and trophies for independent breweries, along with the addition of new Classes, reflect our dedication to promoting innovation and growth in the industry,” says Brad Jenkins, Melbourne Royal CEO.
Reflecting evolving industry trends, three new beer classes have also been introduced: Australian-Style Low Carbohydrate Lager, Italian-Style Pilsner, and Red India Pale Ale. Updates to European beer style definitions and a revised minimum ABV for India Pale Ale classes (from 6.3% to 5.8%) ensure the Awards remain at the forefront of brewing innovation.
In an effort to streamline the entry process, Melbourne Royal has engaged with cold-chain logistics provider Chill. The company is offering interstate entrants an exclusive rate card for local pick-up and consolidated shipping from interstate depot locations to the Awards in Melbourne, taking the stress out of organising their own freight.
Key dates
Entries Close: Friday 7 March
Judging: Tuesday 6 May – Friday 9 May
Awards Presentation: Thursday 15 May
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards Trophy Presentation Dinner. Join us on Thursday 15 May 2025, at Victoria Pavilion, Melbourne Showgrounds, to celebrate brewing excellence. Secure your tickets HERE today!
For more information, visit melbourneroyal.com.au/beer