SA food awards receive record entries

Participation in the South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards has surged to a new high in 2021. The number of entries received has increased by 50 percent. Catherine Sayer, CEO of Food South Australia which hosts the SA food awards, says the record response is a positive sign that the state’s food and beverage industry remains firmly focused on growth, and is continuing to deliver world-class produce despite COVID.

“COVID-19 is now an ongoing operational factor to which our industry is adapting,” she says. “And there are clearly emerging opportunities. Our research shows flexible strategies have helped a lot of food and beverage companies adapt to the new conditions successfully. There are still many challenges ahead. But, as an industry, South Australia’s food and beverage sector is working together to continue to achieve excellence.

“We’re largely made up of small to medium enterprises. This is something that sets our industry apart, because smaller businesses can respond to market demands more quickly.”

A resilient industry

The awards program includes capability and market-building opportunities. These include the 2021 Retail Ready Program. This will see all entrants able to participate in an education and promotion program with Foodland Supermarkets.

Premier Steven Marshall says the SA food awards are seen as a benchmark for excellence. He believes that this year in particular, entrants should be commended for their resilience.

“The food and beverage industry is an important contributor to our state economy,” he says. “It represents a significant sector of our workforce. The state government values the partnership we have with Food South Australia to support businesses to grow and prosper. This helps to keep and grow jobs, and also continues showcasing our state to the world through our extraordinary range of premium products.”

SA food awards: the people’s choice

Voting has also now commenced for the 2021 Consumer Award. This provides consumers with the opportunity to vote for their favourite local food or beverage business. Sayer says that each year, the level of engagement between the awards and consumers grows.

“Thousands of consumers from across South Australia, loyal South Aussies in other states and even overseas vote for their favourite SA food or beverage business each year,” she says. “The Consumer Award is the people’s choice award. So it all comes down to loyal consumers getting involved and voting for their favourites.”

You can vote in the 2021 SA Food Awards Consumer Award here. Voting will remain open until 5pm, Monday, September 20.