SA Premier Food and Beverage Industry Awards winners announced

The 2023 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards has announced the winners at its annual gala dinner event, with businesses recognised for their exceptional accomplishments and contribution to the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

The Business Excellence category winners set a benchmark, with three different manufacturers recognised: Yumbah Aquaculture was recognised for its data-driven decision-making and dedication to research investment, Haigh’s Chocolates for its business strategy and customer-centric approach and Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co for strengthening its business and managing challenges resulting from the 2020 bushfires. Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co also won the Education and Training award.

Spring Gully Foods was recognised for its workplace wellbeing initiatives and its ongoing commitment to support the welfare of its people.

The Consumer Award, decided by public vote, went to Beerenberg and Kytons Bakery, while La Casa Del Formaggio was inducted into the Hall of Fame for its enduring impact and success.

The regions were strongly represented with Almondco, Fleurieu Milk Company, Harvest the Fleurieu, Good Country Hemp and Sundrop Farms also among the award winners.

Marni Cook, Food South Australia CEO, said the sense of community was on full display at the gala dinner, themed ‘A Shared Experience’, which was attended by members and friends of the food and beverage industry alongside the governor of South Australia and the premier.

“All of the participants are worthy of accolades and it’s inspiring to witness the strong competition and high-quality submissions in categories such as Export, Sustainability, Innovation, and Education & Training, which are areas crucial to the future growth and relevance of our businesses in South Australia,” Cook said.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the food and beverage industry in South Australia remains a vital part of the state’s growing economy.

“The high level of entrants, finalists and award winners showcased in this year’s awards reflects the passion, innovation and dedication that characterises our food and beverage industry. Not only is it an industry that has shown incredible leadership through challenging times, but importantly, it continues to innovate and create new opportunities, products and services, which significantly contribute to our state and its economy.”

2023 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards — Winners

Business Award categories:

Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Visy

• The Kangaroo Island Liguarian Bee Co (for businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
• Yumbah Aquaculture (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
• Haigh’s Chocolates (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)

Education and Training Award, sponsored by the University of Adelaide

• The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co (for businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
• Fleurieu Milk Company (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)

Emerging Business Award, sponsored by La Casa Del Formaggio

• Local Kitchen Co

Export Award, sponsored by the Department for Trade and Investment

• Pure Origins (for businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
• Almondco Australia (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)

Innovation in Business Award, sponsored by Mitani Group

• Australian Native Food Co

Innovation in Food or Beverage Award, sponsored by Food Processing Equipment

• Continental Taralli Biscuits (for businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
• Harris Smokehouse (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)

Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation

• Spring Gully Foods

New Product Award, sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets

• Good Country Hemp (for businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
• Golden North (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)

Primary Producer Award, sponsored by Thomas Foods International

• Harvest the Fleurieu (for businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
• Sundrop Farms (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)

Sustainability Award, sponsored by Peats Soil & Garden Supplies

• Harvest the Fleurieu (for businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
• Enzo’s at Home (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)

Service Provider Award, sponsored by Madderns

• South Australian Analytical Laboratory Services (for businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
• Barkuma (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)

Individual Award categories:

Leader Award, sponsored by Bickford’s Group

• Fulvio Pagani – Rio Coffee

Next Generation Award, sponsored by Macro Group Australia

• Ryan Sherry – Harvest the Fleurieu

Industry nominated awards:

• Hall of Fame, sponsored by San Remo
• La Casa Del Formaggio

Consumer Award, sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets

• Kytons Bakery (for businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
• Beerenberg (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs)