The Judging Panel

The Sydney Royal Fine Food Show engages experienced and respected industry professionals as Judges and firmly endorses the development of future Judges with a strong succession plan through Associate Judges.

Judging panels are constituted from a combination of the following:

• Manufacturers and technologists from industry

• Product users

• Product retailers

• Chefs

• Other specialist and industry judges

The Judging Process

The integrity of Sydney Royal competitions rest in the hands of accomplished, knowledgeable and, most importantly, independent judges.

The process is overseen by a Chair of Judges and includes separate judging panels. Each panel consists of one Panel Chair, two Judges and two Associate Judges.

Medals are determined by the Judges using the following point scale:

• Gold medal for outstanding Exhibits gaining 90.00pts and over;
• Silver medal for excellent Exhibits gaining 82.00pts but less than 90.00pts;
• Bronze medal for quality Exhibits gaining 74.00pts but less than 82.00pts.

Championships are determined using the Borda Count Method. 

Associate Judging

The Fine Food Committee has embarked on a path of growing the pool of Judges available and have adopted a rotation policy to refresh the judging panels and give them a different dynamic and capture potential new Judges coming through the industry and therefore endorses the development of future Judges by offering Associate Judging positions.

Stewarding

Stewards play a valuable part in the judging of each Competition and ensure the day runs smoothly through the coordination and preparation of Exhibits for Judges. Stewarding is a fantastic way of learning more about the industry, competitions and the judging process, with opportunities to develop into Associate Judge and Judge roles in the future.

Benefits of Judging and Stewarding at Sydney Royal

Opportunity to be involved in high profile and prestigious Sydney Royal Competitions, renowned all across Australia.

• Engage with industry members, build relationships and networking opportunities.
• Keep abreast with the industry, changes in trends and identify up and coming producers.
• Enjoy a hands-on experience and develop an understanding of the judging process. We encourage Judges and Stewards to work together and where the opportunity arises, we ask Judges to expose Stewards to sample Exhibits so to learn what attributes and defects the Judges are looking for in their assessment of product.

Judges, Stewards and the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Councillors alike are all voluntary positions. The RAS appreciates the expertise and contribution of all Officials and Councillors. If you have any questions, please send your enquiry via email to  sydneyroyal@rasnsw.com.au.