Bannister Downs Dairy’s celebrates after double cream takes out national Grand Champion Dairy Product award

An iconic Northcliffe dairy has been recognised for having one of the best products in the nation. Bannister Downs Dairy’s double cream took out the Grand Champion Dairy Product at this year’s Australian Grand Dairy Awards held in Melbourne last week. For managing director Sue Daubney, the accolade was at the top of the business’ bucket list. “We make our products for our customers and because we know we can do something really well, that’s what drives and motivates us,” she said. “But to win an accolade like that, it’s just amazing, especially given how small we are.” The business faced tough competition against some of the biggest milk processors in the country, including Harvey Fresh owner Lactalis, Fonterra and Bulla. Businesses were invited to enter the Australian Grand Dairy Awards if they had won gold in other product competitions during the year, with the double cream having taking out Champion Cream at the DIAA State Dairy Product Awards earlier this year. Ms Daubney said there were a number of factors behind the dairy’s success, including minimal processing and its location within the South West region. “We actually looked all around Australia before we went ahead with a large-scale investment in 2018 and where we are has the highest rainfall and most moderate temperatures, which is ideal for dairy farming, and we believe low stress on the cow is a big factor,” she said. “Not only do we feel good about it, but the products are coming through really well. “You can’t start with something average and make it better.” This year has seen Bannister Downs celebrate a number of significant milestones, including 100 years of dairy farming. “What is amazing is the (winning) batch of this double cream was made almost 20 years ago to the week when we made our first batch,” Ms Daubney said. This year also marks 10 years since the Daubney family began their partnership with Gina Rinehart, which has seen them build a purpose-built facility for milking, processing and distribution. “She is very supportive as a partner of the product and always pushing for premium and animal welfare, and sharing all of the same values that we do,” Ms Daubney said. “It’s really great.” Dairy Australia marketing head Glenys Zucco said the awards showcased a diverse range of flavours and aromas from across the country. “We are impressed by each of these individuals who not only uphold the tradition of high-quality Australian dairy, but also continuously push boundaries and ideas that resonate both locally and internationally,” she said. As for a recommendation to use the double cream, Ms Daubney said the product worked well with warm beetroot chocolate cake or ginger madeleine. “Any strong flavour, it really complements it well,” she said.