As the low and non-alcoholic beverage market continues to rise, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) is introducing four new classes into its 2022 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show, ensuring Australian producers have the support and guidance they need to leverage the latest trend.

Constantly adapting and evolving with the industry, the competition will welcome a Reduced Alcohol Beer, No Alcohol Beer, Reduced Alcohol Cider or Perry and No Alcohol Cider or Perry class under the guidance of new Chair of Judges, Ian Kingham.

Ian Kingham, who was on the committee that steered the introduction of the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show in 2006, says he encourages exhibitors to explore this new market and use a competition like the Sydney Royal to find their place in it.

“After the successful addition of the Experimental & Specialty Cider and Perry Class to the Sydney Royal competition in 2021, I am delighted to introduce new classes for best ultra low alcohol exhibits in both beer and cider this year. Fast becoming one of the leading categories in the Australian and global market, I strongly encourage exhibitors to consider entering this class and develop their products,” Ian Kingham said.

“Set to be one of our biggest competitions yet, our 2022stellar panel of Judges have been selected as a result of specialised experience in judging and extensive knowledge derived from decades of brewing, cider-making and industry experience, making them the perfect team to provide the guidance and feedback brewers are after.”

The 2022 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show will welcome 44 classes with seven champion trophies up for grabs across Packaged Beer, Draught Beer, Experimental or Specialty Beer, Best NSW Beer, Champion Cider, Champion Perry and Champion Bottle Conditioned Perry or Cider.

Products are judged on appearance, aroma, flavour, style, technical merit, and the product’s overall impression.

“On top of providing the opportunity for exhibitors to review and refine their products, the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show also aims to bolster the Australian industry through enhancingcompetition requirements such as the use of 100% Australian grown grain, apples, and pears, and 85% Australian ingredients for additional beer flavour,” Ian Kingham said.

Entries for the Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show are now open. Interested exhibitors are encouraged to apply via the RASwebsite.

The 2022 Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Show will take place on July 19, followed by the KPMG Sydney Royal Wine Show from July 25 – 28, 2022.

In addition to driving the Australian beverage sector, the RAS is committed to attracting the very best professionals as Judges and Stewards and training the next generation through the Sydney Royal Associate Judge Program. Learn more by visiting ourwebsite.

All champion winning products from the 2022 Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy and Fine Food competitions will be eligible to enter one of the RAS’ most prestigious awards, the 16thAnnual President’s Medal.