One of SA’s best-known gelato brands, 48 Flavours, has walked away from the 2026 Royal Adelaide Dairy Awards with a massive eight gold medals for a mix of classic favourites and new creations.
Across the competition, 48 Flavours picked up a medal for every one of the 12 gelatos it entered, including eight golds and four silvers.
Its gold-winning flavours included Poached Pear, Goats Curd and Honey; Madagascan Vanilla; Roasted Peanut, Swiss Caramel and Chocolate; Miso, Chocolate and Caramel; Salted Pistachio; Sicilian Pistachio Crunch; Choc Cherry Coconut and Gianduja Aranciata.
The Adelaide gelateria also earned silver medals for White Chocolate, Basil and Strawberries, Charred Pineapple, Lemon Lime and Mint, Burnt Caramel and Rhubarb Cheesecake, and Dubai Chocolate.
“Every flavour we entered received a medal, which was an incredibly rewarding result for our entire team,” 48 Flavours marketing manager Stephanie O’Donnell said.
“This year’s entries were particularly influenced by local produce, classic desserts with a twist, seasonal ingredients and memorable dining experiences we’ve shared here in Adelaide.”
Leading the pack was Poached Pear, Goats Curd and Honey, which scored 18.6 points, making it the highest-rated of 48 Flavours’ entries this year.
Each year, the gelateria introduces new Royal Adelaide Show exclusives, and this year was no different, with three new flavours picking up medals.
They included Gianduja Aranciata, Poached Pear with Woodside Goats Curd and Kangaroo Island Honey, and Burnt Caramel and Rhubarb Cheesecake.
Stephanie said the Poached Pear, Goats Curd and Honey was particularly special because of its focus on South Australian produce.
At the heart of the Royal Adelaide Show-exclusive flavour is fresh goats curd and creamy chèvre from Woodside Cheese Wrights, balanced with Kangaroo Island honey and 48 Flavours’ house-made, lightly spiced poached pear purée.
The result is a flavour the team describes as complex and balanced, with the gentle tang of the curd paired with floral sweetness from the honey and pear.
For the first time, 48 Flavours has also brought its fresh semifreddo cannoli to the Royal Adelaide Show, adding another new offering to its Show line-up.
Gianduja Aranciata has already proven particularly popular, combining the gelateria’s classic hazelnut gelato with ribbons of Nutella and orange marmalade.
“Gianduja Aranciata draws on classic Italian flavours and has been our best seller at the Royal Adelaide Show,” Stephanie said.
Other award-winning flavours proving popular at the Show include Choc Cherry Coconut, Snickers, Burnt Caramel and Rhubarb Cheesecake, and Salted Pistachio.
Last year’s South Australian Dairy Awards were the team’s most successful to date, with 48 Flavours receiving 12 gold medals, three top gold medals, four silver medals, Champion Ice Cream and Most Outstanding Dairy Exhibit.
“We always knew that it was going to be difficult to top, so we approached this year’s competition with an open mind,” Stephanie said.
The Royal Adelaide Show remains a favourite fixture for the family-owned business, which returns to the Tasting Pavilion each year.
“As an Adelaide-founded, family-owned and operated business, it is a privilege to share another award-winning range with the community that has supported us throughout our journey,” Stephanie said.
Behind each competition entry is a significant amount of work, beginning with an initial concept or ingredient before moving through numerous trials and team tastings.
“We only submit a flavour once we believe every element has a purpose and the final result is refined, well-balanced, distinctive and technically strong,” Stephanie said.
Founders Brian and Teresa O’Donnell were living in Mildura when the idea for 48 Flavours was born, looking for a new venture after more than 20 years in the hospitality industry.
The pair eventually set their sights on Adelaide, a city Brian already loved, opening their first store just steps from the Adelaide Central Market in 2014.
The team is no stranger to awards, having entered state, national and international competitions since 2015, with its gelato receiving recognition both in Australia and overseas.
Since opening its first store, 48 Flavours has grown to six South Australian locations, with Brian and Teresa’s children, Stephanie and Michael O’Donnell, now also involved in the family-owned and operated business.
From Madagascan Vanilla and Choc Cherry Coconut to more experimental combinations such as Miso, Chocolate and Caramel, the range continues to balance familiar favourites with flavours that are a little more unexpected.
48 Flavours:
Where: Adelaide, Fulham Gardens, Henley Beach, Hyde Park, Paralowie, Trinity Gardens
For more information, click here.
