Finalists announced for SA food awards

There are certainly plenty of stories to tell about 2020 – some pretty depressing, it’s true – but many of the most inspiring stories have come from the finalists in this year’s South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards.

“Despite all the challenges 2020 has delivered, entries in this year’s awards were up by 15 percent and represent businesses ranging from emerging brands to established companies,” says Food South Australia CEO Catherine Sayer.

“The theme for the awards in 2020 is ‘Sharing our Stories’, and clearly our industry is keen to do just that. We’ve also seen a massive increase in votes for the Statewide Super Consumer Award this year. 2020 has seen heightened determination for South Australians to support South Australian food and beverage businesses. Everyone is very aware that even their smallest purchasing decisions have real effects on people’s jobs and livelihoods.”

Finalists in this year’s awards include some newer businesses as well as more established names behind products ranging from daily staples such as eggs, nuts and dairy products to treats like ice cream and luxury products such as abalone.

“The South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards are all about recognising food and beverage companies who stand out for their achievements in terms of industry best practice and innovation,” Sayer says. “The events of this year across the globe make this even more important, as South Australia’s food and beverage sector is a key employer and vital contributor to our state’s recovery from COVID-19.”

Food SA hosts and manages the awards program, which also receives funding support through the state government. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on November 13, which is now able to proceed as restrictions lift on gatherings in South Australia.

“Traditionally the biggest night in the industry calendar, we are especially looking forward to this occasion as not only a celebration of our finalists and winners, but also a chance for our industry to take a moment in time to recognise the strengths of food and beverage businesses and their dedication to overcoming the challenges of 2020,” Sayer says.

“So many businesses that were hit hard by COVID-19 have pushed through to keep things going, supporting their staff and their loyal consumers. They’ve stepped up in a myriad of ways and they certainly have many stories to share.”

The South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards aim to recognise excellence, leadership, vision and innovation. The awards are presented with funding support from the South Australian state government and are managed and hosted by Food South Australia. The finalists for the 2020 awards are:

Business award categories

Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Visy

Alexandrina Cheese Company
Barossa Fine Foods
Dinko Tuna Farmers
feather & PECK
Fleurieu Milk Company
Gelista
Goolwa PipiCo
Lifestyle Bakery
Rio Vista Olives
Rohde’s Free Range Eggs
Sundrop Farms
Yumbah Aquaculture

Emerging Business Award, sponsored by Department for Trade and Investment

All The Things
Kimchi Club
Naked Blendz
Never Never Distilling Co
Seppeltsfield Road Distillers
The Almond Farmer

Export Award, sponsored by Department for Trade and Investment

Dinko Tuna Farmers
Eyre Peninsula Seafoods
Yumbah Aquaculture

Innovation in Business Award, sponsored by Department for Trade and Investment

Barossa Fine Foods
Beerenberg Farm
Continental Taralli Biscuits
Dinko Tuna Farmers
Team Unico
The Prawn Store

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

All The Things
Gelista
Lifestyle Bakery
Safcol Australia

New Product Award, sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets

Golden North Ice Cream
Good Country Hemp
Goolwa PipiCo
Kimchi Club

Primary Producer Award, sponsored by Thomas Foods International

Casarosa Almonds
feather & PECK
Fleurieu Milk Company
Rio Vista Olives
Rohde’s Free Range Eggs

Sustainability Award, sponsored by Peats Soils and Garden Supplies

Sundrop Farms

Individual award categories

Leader Award, sponsored by Bickford’s Group

Ian Lines, Holla-Fresh
Jon Durdin, Seppeltsfield Road Distillers
Michael Horrocks, Lifestyle Bakery

Next Generation Award, sponsored by Macro Group Australia

Ethan Tan, Mexex
Kieran Donoghue, Safcol Australia
Nick Hutchinson, Fleurieu Milk Company

Consumer Award Top 20, sponsored by Statewide Super

Alexandrina Cheese Company
Barossa Valley Chocolate Company
Beerenberg Farm
Bickford’s Group
Carême Pastry
Continental Taralli Biscuits
Fleurieu Milk Company
Gelista
Golden North Ice Cream
Kimchi Club
Kytons Bakery
Maggie Beer Products
Charlesworth Nuts
Nippy’s
Robern Menz
Spring Gully Foods
The Almond Farmer
Udder Delights
Utonic Beverages
Vili’s Family Bakery

For more info on the awards, and to register for tickets, head to foodsouthaustralia.com.au