An innovative list of companies spread across the whole of the state have been announced as this year’s finalists for the South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards.

This is the 21st year of the awards, hosted by Food South Australia, the peak body for the food and beverage industry in South Australia, in partnership with the State Government, supporting industry-wide growth.

‘Real food’ smoothie company Naked Blendz is a finalist in 3 categories: Emerging Business, Innovation in Food or Beverage, and Business Excellence. Image: Meaghan Coles via Food South Australia

“There is strong regional representation across the list of awards finalists this year, ranging from Yorke Peninsula, to the Fleurieu and the Riverland, as well as metropolitan-based businesses,” Food South Australia CEO Catherine Sayer said.

 “The food and beverage industry in South Australia continues to be an essential contributor to the state’s economic growth, and these businesses are leading that charge,” Ms Sayer said.

“Every year, our award finalists are a snapshot of innovation and leadership for our industry and our state. These businesses range from small start-ups to established iconic brands. They are constantly innovating, not only to meet consumer demand, but also to meet the challenges of doing business in Australia and overseas.”

Industry leading food manufacturer Mexex is a finalist in 5 categories: Innovation in Food or Beverage, Service Provider, and Business Excellence, with Director Ethan Tan named in the Leader and Next Generation award categories. Image: Meaghan Coles via Food South Australia

“They are all contributing in very real ways to the economy at the local and state level, and to South Australia’s international reputation for quality in food and beverage,” said Ms Sayer.

“That’s a story of growth of which we should all be proud.”

The SA Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards 2019 finalists:

Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Show Society Foundation

• Ashton Valley Fresh
• Clean Seas Seafood
• ElevenLabs
• Lifestyle Bakery
• Mexex
• MOJO Kombucha
• Naked Blendz
• Obela
• Oleapak
• Pangkarra Foods
• Sunfresh Salads

Emerging Business Award, sponsored by Department for Trade, Tourism and Investment

• Australian Fresh Dairy
• ElevenLabs
• Kimchi Club
• Naked Blendz
• Singing Magpie Produce
• The Almond Farmer

 Export Award, sponsored by Visy

• Clean Seas Seafood
• Oleapak
• Yumbah Aquaculture

Innovation in Business Award, sponsored by Food Processing Equipment

• Ashton Valley Fresh
• Coopers Brewery

Innovation in Food or Beverage Award, sponsored by Department for Trade, Tourism and Investment

• All The Things
• EDAS Foods
• Lifestyle Bakery
• Mexex
• Naked Blendz
• Obela

New Product Award, sponsored by Foodland SA

• Beston Global Food Company
• Clean Seas Seafood
• Forage & Feast
• Gelista
• Lifestyle Bakery
• Pangkarra Foods
• Woodside Cheese Wrights

Primary Producer Award, sponsored by Thomas Foods International

• Ceravolo Orchards
• Fleurieu Milk Company

Sustainability Award, sponsored by Peats Soil and Garden Supplies

• Ceravolo Orchards
• Ochre Nation (Team Unico)

Service Provider Award, sponsored by Moore Stephens South Australia

• Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers’ Market
• Bright Engineering Consultants
• Madderns Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys
• Mexex
• National Credit Insurance (Brokers)
• South Australian Analytical Laboratory Services

Leader Award, sponsored by Bickford’s Group

• Peter Adamo, Golden North
• Chantale Millard, Maggie Beer Products
• Ethan Tan, Mexex

Next Generation Award, sponsored by Macro Group Australia

• Joseph Ceravolo, Ashton Valley Fresh
• Alex Fazzari, Enzo’s at Home
• Ethan Tan, Mexex

Consumer Award, sponsored by Statewide Super (as nominated by consumers)

• Barossa Fine Foods
• Beerenberg Farm
• Bickford’s Group
• Careme Pastry
• Charlesworth Nuts
• Enzo’s at Home
• Fleurieu Milk Company
• Haigh’s Chocolates
• Kimchi Club
• Kytons Bakery    
• Macro Meats (K-ROO)
• Maggie Beer Products
• Mitani Group
• Najobe Beef
• Nippy’s
• Nocelle Foods (Nature’s Delight)
• Skara Smallgoods
• Spring Gully Foods
• Steiny’s Traditional Mettwurst
• Utonic Beverages
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The Awards are judged by an independent panel of judges through a comprehensive process including written applications, site visits, and interviews. The winners of the 2019 awards will be announced on Friday 22 November at the industry’s largest event, the Awards Gala Dinner at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

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