Twenty five companies from across South Australia have been chosen as finalists for the prestigious 6th Premier's Food Awards to be presented at a gala dinner at the Adelaide Hilton on Friday, November 21, 2003.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Paul Holloway says the companies were selected from a record number of entries and are in the running for awards in ten categories.

"This year a new award has been introduced recognising leadership through sustainable business practices."

"The awards acknowledge leaders in the state's multi-billion dollar food industry. Individuals and companies are judged on their innovative thinking, commitment to environmental sustainability and export achievements," Mr Holloway said.

"The theme for this year's awards is "To Market", highlighting the importance of both domestic and international markets to the State's food industry."

"South Australia's food industry currently exports $2.3 billion worth of value added and commodity goods to more than 120 countries," Mr Holloway said.

"Developing markets interstate and overseas is a key priority of the State Food Plan which aims to grow the value of the South Australian food industry to $15 billion by 2010."

List of Finalists

Industry Awards

Adelaide Produce Markets Limited & South Australian Farmers Federation Horticulture Industry Achievement Award

Dairy Farmers Dairy Industry Achievement Award

Rabobank Seafood Industry Achievement Award

AusBulk Grains Industry Achievement Award

Visy Board Meat Industry Achievement Award

Leadership Awards

Vili's Cakes Leadership Through Innovation Award

National Food Industry Strategy Leadership Through New Export Development Award

Peats Soil Leadership Through Sustainable Industry Award

Food South Australia Leadership Through Innovative Services to the Food Industry Award

Malaysia Airlines Young Leader Award