The Chief Executive Officer of one of South Australia’s most successful home-grown food franchises has been named the 2004 Young Leader of the Year at the prestigious Premier’s Food Awards.

The Award, which is sponsored by the South Australian Farmers’ Federation, was presented to Shane Radbone, CEO of Wendy’s Supa Sundaes, at a gala ceremony at the Adelaide Hilton last night.

Premier Mike Rann congratulated thirty-four year old Shane on his exceptional achievement.

"Shane is an outstanding winner who has demonstrated all the qualities of leadership and professionalism this award seeks to recognise," the Premier said.

"South Australia’s food industry needs young people like Shane to be the next generation of leaders and the visionaries for its continued improvement."

Shane Radbone joined Wendy’s Supa Sundaes as the company’s Chief Executive Officer in 2000.

His first major role was acquisition of all the master franchises nationally after which the company experienced its best financial year in its quarter century of operations.

In February last year, Shane took up the role of group CEO of the Retail Brands Group, which includes a Wendy’s manufacturing facility and a second brand just launched in Australia called Quiznos.

Quiznos is an American-based, 2000-store chain that specialises in oven-toasted sandwiches.

"My vision for the future is to offer profitable franchised food opportunities for people who want to be in business for themselves and are passionate and determined to make a difference," says Shane.

"You must enjoy what you do and believe in what you do and I think if you have those elements you can make a difference."

Prior to joining Wendy’s Shane founded a company called Executive Fitness Management, which grew from a single operation to 25 outlets franchised in four states.

He has also helped raised more than $260 000 for charity in the last decade.

The judges commended Shane not only for his passion for work and his ability to lead staff and drive a company to great success but also his commitment to his young family and community through his charity work.

Fourteen other awards for excellence were also presented at the 7th Premier’s Food Awards.

The Premier said there was an exceptionally high standard of entries for this year’s awards, which applaud individuals and companies for their leadership, innovative thinking, training initiatives and export achievements.

"The Awards not only recognise the hard work of our food producers and processors, they also give finalists and winners the Premier’s endorsement and exposure to help them enter new interstate and overseas markets."

South Australia’s Food Industry contributed $8.9 billion to the State’s economy this year.

The theme for this year’s Awards was "Big Picture", recognising the many companies and individuals that contribute to the greatness of South Australia’s food industry.

2004 Premier's Food Award Winners

Coopers Brewery & Blue Lake Milling Grains Industry Achievement Award

Winner <10 FTE (Full Time Employees)

Company Name: L’Abruzzese Pty Ltd

Winner >10 FTE

Company Name: Mitani Products

Adelaide Produce Markets Limited and Virginia Horticulture Centre Horticulture Industry Achievement Award

Winner <10 FTE

Company Name: Hi-Tech Group

Winner >10 FTE

Company Name: Vitor Marketing Pty Ltd

Visy Board Meat Industry Achievement Award

Winner < 10FTE

Company Name: Waters Meat Store

Winner >10 FTE

Company Name: Holco Fine Meat Suppliers

Rabobank Seafood Industry Achievement Award

Winner <10 FTE

Company Name: Turner Aquaculture

Winner >10 FTE

Company Name: Springs Smoked Seafoods Pty Ltd

Dairy Farmers’ Dairy Industry Achievement Award

Winner <10 FTE

Company Name: Woodside Cheese Wrights

Winner >10 FTE

Company Name: Wendy’s Supa Sundaes Pty Ltd

Food Training SA Leadership Through Innovative Services to the Food Industry Award

Winner

Company Name: Blessed Cheese

Peats Soil & Garden Supplies Leadership Through Sustainable Industry Award

Winner

Company Name: The Food Forest

National Food Industry Strategy Leadership Through New Export Development Award

Winner

Company Name: Elders Limited

SARDI Leadership Through Innovation Award

Winner

Company Name: Ferguson Australia Pty Ltd

South Australian Farmers’ Federation Young Leader Of The Year Award

Winner

Company Name: Wendy’s Supa Sundaes