CEO Update: May 2026
15 May 2026 / Melbourne Royal News
Melbourne Royal’s new catering partner, Gema Group has successfully commenced operations at Melbourne Showgrounds. Gema Group has considerable event and venue catering expertise and their highly experienced team are committed to enhancing the value, quality, variety and uniqueness of our food and beverage offering at Melbourne Showgrounds, including the Melbourne Royal Show.
Gema Group have introduced exciting new curated menus for banquet dinners, award presentations, and cocktail parties in the Victoria Pavilion alaong with new catering options for events, exhibitions, trade shows, filming, music and community festivals.
I thank Paul and Tamara Valenti and Dwane Goodman from Gema Group for choosing to partner with Melbourne Royal and we look forward to their involvement being well received by Melbourne Showgrounds clients and visitors.
Since commencing on 1 April, we have received fabulous feedback regarding our new food and beverage offering at Melbourne Showgrounds, most notably at the recently held 2026 Australian International Beer Awards Trophy Presentation Dinner at Melbourne Showgrounds' Victoria Pavilion when Gema Group catered for more than 700 guests.
Melbourne Royal Food and Beverage Awards are globally recognised for proudly celebrating excellence across four industry sectors - beer, wine, distilled spirits and food.
For the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards attracted the beer and brewing community from the around world to Melbourne Showgrounds during May to celebrate excellence, inspire product innovation, share their knowledge and expertise.
This year’s Awards attracted over 2,200 entries from 22 countries, reaffirming their reputation as the world’s largest annual beer competition that assesses both draught and packaged beer, cider, as well as design and media.
The appeal and success of Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards is due to the incredible industry support we receive, particularly from representatives serving on our industry advisory groups. Special thanks to co-head judges Tina Panoutsos – Carlton & United Breweries, and Jon Seltin – Brick Lane Brewing, along with other representatives on our Industry advisory committee Lindsy Greig - Hop Products Australia, Steve Jeffares - Huzzah, and Chris Swersey – Hop Products Australia for their continued support and expert guidance to ensure the success of the awards.
A huge thanks goes to all the brewers who entered, along with the judges, associate judges and stewards who contributed their valuable time and expertise. We greatly appreciate the involvement of all the industry experts, many who travelled from interstate or overseas to judge the awards and share their specialist knowledge.
Congratulations to all the trophy and medal winners in the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards. We are particularly thrilled for Love Shack Brewing Co for winning the trophy for the best reduced alcohol beer. Love Shack Brewing Co in Castlemaine was badly affected by the Victorian bush fires earlier this year and by way of support we offered the brewery free entry for this year’s awards for up to five entries. We trust the win brings much joy to the team at Love Shack Brewing Co and they enjoy great marketing benefit from displaying the Melbourne Royal seal of excellence on their product and packaging.
You can explore the full list of results from 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards here.
As a membership organisation, we encourage everyone who enters agricultural, rural and leisure competitions at the Melbourne Royal Show to be a Melbourne Royal member. Membership offers great value and privileges including savings on entry fees, complimentary admission to the event, access to members hospitality areas and much more. For more information regarding the membership options available, visit melbourneroyal.com.au/membership and complete the online application.
Thank you for your ongoing interest in Melbourne Royal. To stay up to date with all the latest Melbourne Royal events, awards and venues, visit melbourneroyal.com.au and enjoy reading the updates in this edition from Hannah von Bibra, Executive General Manager, Melbourne Royal Show and Sam Buckley Executive General Manager, Melbourne Showgrounds.
Brad Jenkins
Chief Executive
Melbourne Royal