2005 Finalists

Premier’s Awards celebrate pride of SA food industry

The South Australian Food Industry’s "tall poppies" will be standing tall and being proud as they are positively celebrated at the 2005 Premier’s Food Awards.

Fifteen companies and three individuals from across South Australia have been selected as finalists for the prestigious awards, now in their 8th year.

The finalists range from organic dairy and pasta producers, abalone and lobster farmers, to cheese, confectionery and gourmet fare manufacturers.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Saturday, 26 November.

Premier Mike Rann said this year’s theme, stand tall, be proud, aimed to encourage the state’s food industry to recognise its place as a world leader.

"The Premier’s Food Awards encourage South Australia’s best and brightest to be proud of their achievements," Mr Rann said.

"While recognising and rewarding excellence, the awards also acknowledge the State’s broader efforts to improve the quality, capacity and competitiveness of our multi-billion food industry."

New this year is the Coles & Bilo South Australian Food Industry Hall of Fame, which will induct an individual or organisation for ongoing success in the State’s food industry.

"Through the awards, we are celebrating leadership, innovation, commitment to environmental sustainability and export achievements," he said.

"SA’s food and wine exports are worth $3.25 billion, and equate to more than half of the State’s exports.

"It’s these finalists, with their passion for food, who are at the forefront of leading the industry and not only driving their own businesses, but boosting the State’s economy."

Judging panels are now conducting site visits to select the winners. Finalists come from Port Lincoln, Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills, and metropolitan Adelaide.

Limited tickets for the gala dinner will go on sale next month.