National aquaculture competition calls on oyster farmers to put their produce to the test
Posted on 20 NOVEMBER 2025
Australian Oyster Farmers have just one week left to enter the 2026 Sydney Royal Aquaculture Competition and secure their chance to be crowned among the best in the country.
Dedicated to championing Sydney Rock Oysters, the competition recognises excellence across all scales of production, with titles up for grabs in both boutique and commercial volume categories.
Judging for the 2026 event will take place in February, shifting away from the traditional Sydney Royal Easter Show schedule to better align with the peak growing season for Sydney Rock Oysters, which typically runs from December to February.
Sydney Royal Aquaculture Chair of Judges, John Susman said the competition not only celebrates quality but also helps drive innovation and progress within the industry.
“Competitions like this offer an invaluable opportunity for farmers to benchmark their oysters against industry standards and gain valuable feedback from industry experts to help refine and elevate their product”, said Susman.
“Moving the competition to February is a welcome change. We’ve worked closely with Sydney Rock Oyster farmers and exhibitors to ensure they have the best opportunity to showcase their oysters at their seasonal peak.
“This shift also opens the door for more oyster farmers across NSW to get involved. We hope it encourages broader participation and helps producers understand how their oysters compare in the current market.”
Under the guidance of the Chair of Judges, a range of industry experts will comprise the judging panel, including educators, retailers, chefs, product users, and industry manufacturers and technologists.
Exhibits will be assessed on a 100-point system with points deducted according to an oyster’s uniformity, shape, and presentation, as well as its condition, colour, meat fullness, flavour, texture, and richness, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded to products meeting the respective point score standard.
The Sydney Royal Aquaculture Competition is part of the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show and is held twice a year to account for product seasonality. A second competition in August accommodates all aquaculture entries outside Sydney Rock Oysters and runs alongside the remaining Fine Food categories.
Although judging for the February event will now take place behind the scenes, the Sydney Royal Easter Show will continue to deliver a strong aquaculture presence in the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome, offering exciting new activations and engaging experiences that invite the public to learn about and connect with the industry.
Entries for the 2026 Sydney Royal Aquaculture Competition will close on 26 November, with judging taking place on 4 February and results announced on 6 February.
For more information, or to enter, please visit the website.
Samantha Cannings
Communications and Public Relations Executive
T: (02) 9704 1453
M: 0411 864 836
Nicola Dalby
Manager – Communications and Public Relations
T: (02) 9704 1041
M: 0434 579 906