Australian Cider Awards Names 2026 Winners
Flying Brick Cider Co secured the Best in Show title at this year's national industry competition.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Food and Drink
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The 2026 Australian Cider Awards has announced its annual competition winners, crowning Flying Brick Cider Co with the Best in Show award. Judges evaluated 160 entries across 36 distinct classes to highlight excellence in the national cider industry.
Why it matters
Organised by Cider Australia, these awards aim to establish a rigorous and respected industry benchmark for producers nationwide. The competition serves as a vital platform for recognising quality craftsmanship among both small and large-scale cider makers.
Flying Brick Cider Co led the field by securing three trophies, with their MC Cider 2018 earning a top score of 94 points. Judges assessed a diverse range of entries, including fruit-based, botanical-infused, and non-alcoholic options.
The players
Flying Brick Cider Co
This producer is based in Victoria and received three trophies at the 2026 event.
Cider Australia
This industry organisation coordinates the annual awards programme to promote cider standards.
Max Allen
He serves as the Chief Judge for the Australian Cider Awards and is a recognised expert in the beverage industry.
The details
The competition featured a judging panel led by Chief Judge Max Allen, who oversaw the assessment of 160 entries. Other notable winners included Willie Smith's as Most Successful Larger Producer and Lenswood Cider Co as Most Successful Small Producer.
Timeline
The 2026 Australian Cider Awards occurred on 16 October 2026.
The competition included 17 style classes in 2014.
Industry Dynamics
The transition from 17 classes in 2014 to 36 today reflects the rapid diversification of the Australian craft beverage market. This growth highlights how producers are increasingly experimenting with botanical infusions and low-alcohol products to capture new consumer segments.
Consumers can identify award-winning products by looking for the 2026 trophy markings on local shelves. This recognition provides a reliable guide for shoppers seeking high-quality ciders and perries vetted by industry professionals.
The takeaway
The success of diverse producers across Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales illustrates the high standard of cider production nationwide. Enthusiasts can use these results to discover new styles, such as the Best New World Cider winner from Small Acres Cyder.
Further reading
Discover more about the national craft beverage scene on the Australia Food and Drink page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Shout.
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