Tasty call for 2006 Premier's Food Awards

Ian Parmenter and Minister Rory McEwen

The leaders of South Australia’s food industry are being called to join the 'Journey to Brilliance' for this year’s Premier’s Food Awards.

Now in their ninth year, the awards were launched this morning by Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Rory McEwen at a special breakfast function in Adelaide.

Past winners of the awards include Kangaroo Island Abalone, Rosalie Hassan of Bottega Rotolo and B.-d. Farm Paris Creek, as well as Coopers Brewery who were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The awards, which recognise the outstanding achievers of the industry, highlight the 'sheer brilliance' of South Australia’s food and beverage producers, suppliers and exporters.

A diverse range of local food industry businesses – from organic and environmentally-sustainable producers to the seafood, cereal, fresh produce, hospitality, meat and beverage industries – entered in last year’s awards in the areas of food production, leadership and export.

Mr McEwen said ‘sheer brilliance’ was chosen as a theme for this year’s awards in recognition of the brilliant identities and talent in our local food industry.

"The theme was chosen because of the sense of pride and passion we all have in the local food industry and to celebrate the extraordinary success of our many and varied businesses," he said.

  • Hall of Fame
  • KPMG Young Leader Award
  • Best New Product 05/06
  • Peats Soil & Garden Supplies Environmental Management Award
  • SARDI Innovation Award
  • Food Adelaide New Export Development Award
  • Rural Solutions SA Services to Industry Award
  • Value Adding (Small) Award/Value Adding (Medium) Award
  • Coopers Brewery Value Adding (Large) Award
  • Food Training SA and FTH Skills Council Workforce Development Award

At the breakfast, Mr McEwen announced that renowned chef and television presenter, Ian Parmenter, as Master of Ceremonies for the gala award presentation dinner in November.

"As a former member of the Premier’s Food Council, founding Festival Director of Tasting Australia and a very proud supporter of South Australia’s food industry, Ian will add a unique element and style to this year’s event," Mr McEwen said.

Entries close on Wednesday, August 16, 2006.