Premier Mike Rann

 

South Australia’s food industry is continually evolving, expanding and innovating, which enables it to compete with the very best that Australia and the world have to offer.

Through the diligence, creativity and flair of our food and beverage businesses, South Australia punches above its weight as our products find their way into kitchens, cafes, supermarkets and restaurants around the globe.

As the theme of this year’s Premier’s Food Industry Awards indicates, we must maintain our commitment to connecting with – and listening to - all of our consumers.

This message also remains at the heart of the new South Australian Food Strategy 2010-2015, which reaffirms that the key to increasing our industry’s international competitiveness is meeting customer expectations.

That means being sustainable, well-managed, and consumer-driven throughout our entire food value chain.

Now in their 13th year, the Premier’s Food Industry Awards recognise achievement and excellence in our State’s food industry by rewarding businesses and individuals that demonstrate outstanding vision, leadership and innovation.

South Australia’s agri-food industry currently contributes $12.4 billion to the State’s economy each year, and accounts for 146,000 jobs. A significant number of these people are employed in small to medium enterprises – smart businesses that are characterised by creativity.

We are committed to increasing that annual contribution to $16 billion by 2015, and to creating an extra 15,000 jobs in our food and wine industries to help further boost exports.

I encourage all businesses involved in our diverse and dynamic food industry – including growers, distributors, restaurants, retailers, associations and equipment manufacturers - to read this booklet and enter this year’s Awards.

By doing so, you will help ensure an even stronger connection between our food and beverage businesses and consumers, and will help celebrate one of our State’s most important industries.

Mike Rann
Premier of South Australia