Murray Goulburn at Koroit, Fonterra at Cobden, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and Timboon Fine Ice Cream have all been announced as finalists for “the highest accolade for a dairy producer in Australia”.

Legendairy announced the contenders on Wednesday, selecting producers of “the finest dairy and cheese products” across the country.

Judges tasted their way through 470 butters, cheeses, milks and creams of more than 50 companies to select Aldi Beautifully butterfully salted butter (Murray Goulburn), Western Star Butter (Fonterra), Mil Lel Superior Parmesan Cheese (Warrnambool Cheese and Butter) and Timboon Fine Ice Creams’ vanilla flavour as the top three competitors within their categories. 

Award convener Amanda Menegazzo said Legendairy was “thrilled to announce the impressive line-up of 2017 finalists”.

She said the nominations gave “recognition to the talented Australians who dedicate their time, passion and skill to producing an amazing array of quality dairy foods for Australia and the rest of the world”. 

“The calibre keeps improving year after year,” she said.

“We are rapt to see such a mix between old and new producers for 2017 – from well established brands … to newcomers.” 

Winners from each category will be crowned champions next February and the people’s choice award will allow the public to cast their vote for the first time.