The best bacon to be had in Australia was in the spotlight during Australian Bacon Week; and a highlight of the celebration was the Australian Bacon Awards, now in its fifth year.

Australian bacon and bacon producers receiving honors included a few repeat winners. Pialligo Estate Smokehouse took top honors for Australia’s Best Artisan Bacon for the company’s dry cured and smoked shortcut rashers.

Bertocchi Smallgoods also became a back-to-back winner by capturing the Best Nationally Available Bacon for its Bertocchi Brothers’ Long Rindless Hickory Smoked Bacon. The product is available at Coles grocery stores.

Three judges chose the winners from 135 entries. The bacons were judged on criteria such as appearance, aroma and taste. Australian Bacon Week was held from June 25 to July 1.