It was an almost impossible task, but we've sorted through a record number of entries and can now officially announce the 2014 Food Magazine Awards finalists.
What a way to celebrate 10 years. This year's Food Magazine Awards have generated a huge amount of interest, with nearly 200 entries across the 14 categories. Yes, a lot of you left it to the very last minute and the Food magazine team’s inbox was absolutely inundated with nominations coming in at the eleventh hour, but it was worth the over-time; it's great to see the industry is alive and well and continuing to innovate despite the tough times many of you have endured over the past couple of years.
We’re very pleased to announce the finalists for this year's Food Magazine Awards, and we look forward to catching up with you all at the awards night, held at Luna Park in Sydney on 8 August.
As one of the most highly anticipated nights in the industry's calendar, this year's event will not disappoint. We will once again kick off the night with the Product Showcase, where finalists have the opportunity to spruik their wares and demonstrate why they're worthy of their seat at the awards presentation.
The Product Showcase also gives guests the change to catch up with fellow industry folk, because chances are you haven't seen each other since this time last year!
After sampling some of the finalists' treats and no doubt enjoying a champagne or two, we'll then head into the Ballroom where dinner will be served.
The guest speaker this year will be Ian Harrison, chief executive of the Australian Made campaign, who will no doubt have some sage advice for attendees. What better place for Harrison to sing the praises of Australia's manufacturing industry and reinforce the importance of marketing your country of origin than in a room full of some of the sector's most passionate advocates? I'm sure he'll love hearing all about how busy you've been this year!
Once we've heard from Ian, the feast will begin and we'll head straight into the most exciting part of the evening – the crowning of the 2014 Food Magazine Award winners.
The dance floor will then open up and the real partying will get underway. And if last year was anything to go by, the rest of the night will be a memorable mix of celebrating and socialising.
The Food magazine team would like to take this opportunity to thank our judging panel, a number of whom have contributed to the Food Magazine Awards for many years. Having said that, this year we had two new recruits: Brownyn Powell, marketing and innovation director at SPC, and Jodie Goldsworthy, founder of Beechworth Honey. Thank you all for your time; it's great to have such experienced, knowledgeable professionals supporting the awards program and giving the judging process the authority and respect it deserves.
Of course, we’d also like to thank the sponsors for this year's event. Without your backing the Awards would not be possible. This year’s sponsors are Heat & Control (Platinum Sponsor), Kerry, HACCP Australia, Newly Weds, Tronics, Nu-Tek Salt, the APPMA, Matthews, Flavour Makers, Mackies, Earlee Products and DTS Food Laboratories.
Good luck to all of our finalists, and we look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!
Finalists for 2014
BAKED GOODS
Banquet spinach & tomato quiche by Australian Wholefoods
Choc Cherry Bite by Bite Size Coffee Treats’
Mini Melting Moments by Charlie’s Cookies
Della Rosa Stone Baked Gourmet Pizzas by Della Rosa Fresh Foods Group
Raspberry & Maple Nut Nograin-ola by Pure Delish
Whisk & Bowl – Biscuit Mix by Gluten Free Grain Free co.
BEVERAGES
Endless Cider by Cellar d'or
Artisan Reserve Pilsner by Coopers Brewery
Koala Karma by Koala Karma
Trumpeters Alcoholic Ice Tea by N & C Beverages
Cheeky Rascal Methode Traditionelle Cider by Rebello
Teza Iced Teas by Teza
CONFECTIONERY
Dark Chocolate Almond Cluster by Bite Size Coffee Treats
It's The Duck's Nuts by Duck Creek Macadamias
Raw Dessert range by Eat Fit Food
No Added Sugar Chocolate Goji Berries by Morlife
Raw Chocolate Truffles by Raw Coast
Caramel range by Caramelicious
DAIRY
Sticky Date Pudding by Harry's Ice Cream Co
Wasabi Horseradish Butter by Hells Breath
Red Velvet Mud'n Mousse Dessert by OMG! Fantastic Foods
Twisted Frozen Yoghurt by Twisted Yoghurt
Yummia Bircher Muesli by Yummia
FOOD SAFETY AND INNOVATION
Brand M8 by Cosmos 21+
OxyBac by Deb Australia
Flowfresh Antimicrobial PU by Flowcrete Australia
ICS449 Checkweigher by Mettler Toledo
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Kez's Free Gluten Free Low in Fructose Cereal BY Kez's Kitchen
Breakfast in a Bag by Monster Health Food Co.
Gluten Free Muesli Tropical Digest by Morlife
Superfood Bars by Simply Raw
Henry Jones Fruit & Chia by SPC Ardmona
Tee's Superfood Bars by Teehay
INGREDIENT INNOVATION
CO YO Coconut Milk Yoghurt Alternative by CO YO Corporate
Gianduja by Kitchen Angel
OmegaMayo by Nature’s Blend
Organic Noodle Kitchen Instant Noodles by The Right Food Group
Alpine Coconut by UphamGo Australia
MEAT AND SMALLGOODS
La Macelleria Pulled Pork and Beef by Creative Food Solutions
KRC Early Settler Ham by DON Smallgoods
55% Reduced Fat Salami by Hans Smallgoods
Chicken Liver Pate by Poach Pear
Primo Hot Roast by Primo Smallgoods
SunPork Shredded Meats by Sunpork Fresh Foods
ORGANICS
Culinary Argan Oil by Argan Life
Forbidden Black Rice by Forbidden Foods
Organic Noodle Kitchen Instant Noodles by The Right Food Group
Ozganics Salsas (Mild and Medium) by The Right Food Group
Soma Bites by Soma Organics
PACKAGING DESIGN
The 4-Can Holder by Australian Brewery
Clever Cooks Pasta Box by Australian Wholefoods
Mini Melting Moments by Charlie's Cookies
Condiments in Pouches by Edlyn Foods
SpiceVine Marinades by SpiceVine
Yousli by Yousli
PREPARED FOODS
Anathoth Farm Jam by Barker Fruit Processors
Stone Baked Gourmet Pizzas by Della Rosa Fresh Foods Group
Hans Pulled Meats range by Hans Smallgoods
Pasta di Mandorla by Kitchen Angel
Spicy Pumpkin Quinoa Risotto by Morlife
Ozganics Pasta Sauces by The Right Food Group
READY MEALS
La Macelleria by Creative Food Solutions
Gluten Free Muesli Tropical Digest by Morlife
Simmer Sauce Kit by Spicevine
Smooth Puree Meal Items by Textured Concept Foods
Bircher Muesli by Yummia
SNACK FOOD
Full Belly Bites by Full Belly Bites
Special K Cracker Crisps by Kellogg Australia
Kez's Free Gluten Free Florentine Bars by Kez's Kitchen
Carawmel Slice by Rawsome
Soma Bites by Soma Organics
Bourbon and Bacon Popcorn by The Wondersnack Co.
SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING
The Pale Ale by Australian Brewery
Gen 3 Crate by CHEP
Décor Tellfresh by The Décor Corporation
Lyndon Grove Fruit Juice Concentrates by Edlyn Foods
Condiments in pouches by Edlyn Foods