Leading South Australian food brands including Robern Menz and Bickford’s Australia were praised at the recent South Australian Food Industry Awards, which reward businesses and individuals that demonstrate vision, leadership and excellence in their field.
Confectioner Robern Menz claimed three of the awards, which were hosted by Food SA and Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) and held on 29 November: it was inducted into the San Remo Hall of Fame for its enthusiasm in enhancing the position and profile of the South Australian food industry; won the new Buy SA Consumer Award; and its CEO Phil Sims was recognised for his contribution to industry with the Bickford’s Australian Leader Award.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Gail Gago said quality products from South Australia’s aquaculture, fisheries, grain, horticulture and livestock industries are great representatives for the state, with the food industry worth over $14 billion to its economy.
“The leadership, innovation, sustainability and manufacturing best practice shown by this year’s award winners is spectacular, and speaks volumes for what we can achieve here,” she said.
“The SA Food Industry Awards strongly align with the state government’s Premium Food and Wine from our Clean Environment strategic priority, and recognise the significant contribution to South Australia’s economy made by our local food industry.”
Other winners include:
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Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society Best Practice Award winner:
Bickford’s Australia has been manufacturing premium and unique beverages for over 130 years, and has a portfolio of over 16 quality brands.
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Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society Business Development Award winner:
Gelista Premium Gelati is a manufacturer and wholesaler of premium quality gelati, using natural and local ingredients to produce over 25 flavours.
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SARDI Innovation Award winner (<= 15 FTEs):
Gelista Premium Gelati is a manufacturer of premium quality gelati, using natural and local ingredients, and utilising customer feedback for business innovation.
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SARDI Innovation Award winner (> 15 FTEs):
Lifestyle Bakery is a leading manufacturer of health and dietary bread products, and has developed the new Soft n Light gluten free bread range.
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Foodland SA New Product Award winner (<= FTEs):
Kytons Bakery Australia is renowned for producing lamingtons, gourmet puddings, nut slices and hot cross buns, including its new Fruchocs hot cross bun.
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Foodland SA New Product Award winner (> FTEs):
Lifestyle Bakery is a leading manufacturer of health and dietary bread products, and has developed the new Soft n Light gluten free bread range.
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PIRSA Regional Award
Hindmarsh Valley Dairy produces premium goats meat and goats milk products, including a range of cheeses and yoghurts.
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Peats Soil and Garden Supplies Sustainability Award winner (<= 15 FTEs):
Savannah Lamb produces premium lamb, and has a vision of “animals and the environment, in their natural state, doing their natural thing”.
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Peats Soil and Garden Supplies Sustainability Award winner (> 15 FTEs):
Wintulichs manufacturers of premium smallgoods, has developed an efficiency strategy for improved energy, water and waste performance.
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Food and Beverage Development Fund Workforce Development Award winner:
AgriExchange manages a citrus cooperative, and has developed a character, training and values based program with a guiding principle of “people first”.
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DMITRE Export Award winner:
Macro Meats Gourmet Game is one of the largest manufacturers of kangaroo, venison and wild boar meat products in the world.
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Thomas Foods International Primary Producer Award winner (<= 15 FTEs):
Rohde’s Free Range Eggs produces safe, high quality eggs and is moving towards a carbon neutral operation, utilising solar energy and waste recycling.
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Thomas Foods International Primary Producer Award winner (> 15 FTEs):
SA Mushrooms produces and markets high quality mushrooms with a primary focus on achieving sustainable production of safe, premium food.