Entries are open for the 2026 Australian International Beer Awards!
03 Feb 2026 / Beer, Melbourne Royal News
New classes, refined Design Awards, and an elite judging panel featuring the best local and international talent
Entries are now officially open for the Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), the world’s largest annual beer competition evaluating both draught and packaged beer, along with cider and perry. Breweries and cideries worldwide are invited to showcase their craft, compete on an international stage, and receive feedback from an esteemed panel of Australian and international judges.
In 2026, participants will vie for 14 major trophies, including the coveted Champion Australian Beer and Champion International Beer, as well as 24 category trophies. The Cider & Perry category, introduced in 2025, continues to grow, recognising both draught and packaged products with awards including Best Cider or Perry and Champion Cider or Perry Producer.
Reflecting global trends and industry evolution, the 2026 Awards align with the latest US Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines, introducing eight new beer styles and updating existing classes to celebrate innovation, diversity and international brewing standards. The Design Awards also return with a new Tap Decal Design class and refined judging criteria, developed in consultation with the Awards’ highly experienced Design judging panel. Full details on all new and updated classes are available on the Melbourne Royal website.
"The Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in beer and cider production along with design innovation," says Kirrily Waldhorn, Senior Manager F&B Awards at Melbourne Royal.
"We’re proud to provide brewers and cider makers worldwide with a platform to showcase and celebrate their craft whilst benchmarking their products against the best in the industry.”
KEY DATES
Entries Close: Friday 13 March
Judging: Tuesday 5 May – Friday 8 May
Awards Presentation: Thursday 14 May
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards Trophy Presentation Dinner. Join us on Thursday 14 May 2026, at Victoria Pavilion, Melbourne Showgrounds, to celebrate brewing excellence. Secure your tickets HERE.
For more information, visit melbourneroyal.com.au/beer