Food Industry Hall of Fame

(L to R: Pip Forrester, Susan Berlin, Michael Angelakis, Brenton Higgins, Maggie Beer and Premier Mike Rann, launch the Premier's Food Awards 2005

The increasing importance and value of the State’s food industry is to receive further recognition with the Premier Mr Mike Rann today announcing creation of the South Australian Food Industry Hall of Fame.

"This is a terrific initiative that will recognise the best people in the food industry, the best industry and the best products that are renowned in world markets ," Mr Rann said.

"I have no doubt that the Hall of Fame will be embraced by the South Australian food industry and that entry into the Hall of Fame will be highly sought after.

The inaugural winner and entrant to the South Australian Food Industry Hall of Fame will be announced at a gala dinner on November 26 where the annual Premier’s Food Awards will be presented.

In the meantime, entries for this year’s 8th annual Premier’s Food Awards are now open.

Mr Rann has urged people in the food industry to support the awards by nominating individuals or their companies for recognition.

"This is about drawing attention to the ‘tall poppies’ in the industry and honouring their contribution to South Australia’s reputation across the world for excellence in food production.

"The awards are also designed to complement the State's broader efforts to improve the quality, capacity and competitiveness of the industry.

"To achieve those goals, the State Food Plan sets an ambitious target to increase the contribution of the food industry to the State's economy to $15 billion by 2010.

"Many people, business owners and their staff, are working hard and well to make these goals possible. The Awards reward and recognise high achievement," Mr Rann said.

There are several divisions of the Awards. Application forms can also be downloaded from this site. Applications close on September 9.