The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) celebrated the second Australian Charcuterie Excellence
Awards (ACEA) with a Gala Dinner on Friday 25 August 2023 at Rydges Melbourne, where the 2023
award winners were announced.
The Australian Charcuterie Excellence Awards stands as the pinnacle of recognition in the Australian
smallgoods industry, embodying quality, and distinction. These awards celebrate exceptional
products and champion the elevation of industry standards.
With a staggering 725 entries across ten classes and 40 categories, the industry’s unwavering
commitment to excellence was truly showcased. The meticulous points-based judging criteria
resulted in the awarding of 328 Gold, 187 Silver, and 96 Bronze medals. An astounding 36 Category
Champions were crowned out of 40 possible categories, reaffirming the rigorous pursuit of excellence
within the Australian smallgoods industry.
A Recognition of Service to the Smallgoods Industry award was also presented to industry legend,
Bradley Thomason during the gala dinner.
In partnership with Australian Pork Limited, AMIC welcomed manufacturers of Australian smallgoods
products to partake in this esteemed competition.
The judging week, hosted by the William Angliss Institute in Melbourne from the 12th of July, was
graced by an illustrious panel of fleischmeisters, celebrity chefs, award-winning artisans and industry
legends.
Thank you to our partners and sponsors: Australian Pork Limited, Cold Xpress, William Angliss
Institute, Agri Labour, Multivac, Chr. Hansen, and Marsh Insurance for their support.
Quotes:
Patrick Hutchinson, CEO, Australian Meat Industry Council:
“This year saw double the entries in the Australian Charcuterie Excellence Awards compared to last
year, showing how important the awards program is in recognising excellence within the flourishing
smallgoods industry.”
“Congratulations to all ACEA winners for their remarkable accomplishments. This victory is a
testament to the dedication and masterful craftsmanship exhibited by each participant.”
“Our entrants’ pursuit of excellence is the cornerstone of our industry’s growth and success.“
Franz Knoll, Chair, National Smallgoods Council and Head Judge:
“ACEA judging is done by highly regarded industry technical experts as well as renowned celebrity
chefs including Adrian Richardson and Colin Fassnidge, with our judges working through five days of
gruelling tastings to vigorously appraise each product.”
“All smallgoods are handmade, each person in its preparation, influences the quality and experience
of the finished product. We acknowledge the skills of the smallgoods makers across Australia by the
sheer number of medals and category winners awarded by the judging panel.”
“Through the Australian Charcuterie Excellence Awards we are preparing our smallgoods masters for
the first entry into the German 2025 IFFA competition respected as the highest recognition for the art
of smallgoods making. We will be bringing our unique Australian process for judging including
cooking of products, and for the first time, fresh sausages will be judged by the German panel of
Fleischmeisters.”
Margo Andrae, CEO, Australian Pork Limited:
“Australian Pork Limited (APL) is thrilled to partner once again with the Australian Meat Industry
Council’s Charcuterie Excellence Awards.”
“These awards continue to shine light on a group of hard-working smallgoods makers across the
country celebrating Aussie pork in the innovative products they create.”
“Recent research conducted shows Australian shoppers are seeking out locally grown products more
than ever. We look forward to seeing all these wonderful products on shelves, and seeing our winners
compete on the global stage at World IFFA.”
Links for more information:
ENDS
About
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), is the sole Peak Industry body representing the post-farm gate
meat industry, including processors, smallgoods manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors through to
independent retail butchers and exporters.
Media contact
Keith Drain – Communications Manager
E: [email protected]
