2007 Launch

Curtain opens on a decade of Food Awards

The leading lights of South Australia’s food industry have been set a challenge: step forward and be recognised in this year’s 10th anniversary Premier’s Food Awards.

Launching the awards at a unique breakfast function with a theatrical twist, Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Rory McEwen said the awards were a perfect opportunity to recognise and showcase the talent behind the state’s burgeoning food sector.

"This year’s South Australian Premier’s Food Awards will demonstrate that there really is 'no business like food business' in our State," Mr McEwen said.

"The theme reflects the solid success of the food sector in South Australia over the past decade. In that time, it has contributed more than $10.1 billion to the State’s economy. Last year alone, the food and wine industry accounted for more than half of the State’s exports and 136,000 jobs – many of them in regional South Australia."

In keeping with the Broadway theme, the breakfast launch was held in Adelaide’s historic Bakehouse Theatre and featured edible delights prepared with produce from last year’s award winners.

All South Australian food and beverage businesses are eligible to enter the Premier’s Food Awards, from producers, processors and manufacturers through to businesses that provide goods and services to the industry.

Last year’s entrants ranged from organic and environmentally-sustainable producers to businesses representing the seafood, cereal, fresh produce, hospitality, meat and beverage industries.

2006 winners included Woodside Cheesewrights (Best New Product), Hindmarsh Valley Dairy (Value Adding (Small) Award), Cocolat (Workforce Development Award) and Scalzi Produce (SARDI Innovation Award). San Remo Macaroni Company was inducted into the South Australian Food Industry Hall of Fame.

"I urge individuals and businesses to step forward and share their success stories with South Australia," Mc McEwen said.

"The Awards are a way for businesses to be recognised and rewarded for being the best in their field."

Categories for the 2007 Premier’s Food Awards are:

Coopers Brewery Hall of Fame
KPMG Young Leader Award
Peats Soil & Garden Supplies Environmental Sustainability Award
NAB Export Award
Finished Food Award (Small, Medium or Large)
SARDI Innovation Award
San Remo Pasta New Product Award
Rural Solutions SA Services to Industry Award
Food and Beverage Development Fund SA Inc Workforce Development Award

Mr McEwen said international buyers are continually impressed with the quality and diversity of South Australian food as well as the distinctive flavours originating from different regions, cultures and indigenous food sources found in our State.

"The Premier’s Food Awards seek to highlight these leaders, and further promote their good work both locally and outside SA. I encourage everyone to nominate and help continue to see SA’s great food and beverage sector shine."

The Awards presentation gala dinner will be held on Friday 16 November 2007 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. MC will be prominent food journalist and co-presenter of the highly acclaimed SBS TV series The Food Lover’s Guide to Australia, Joanna Savill.

Application forms for the awards can be downloaded from this website or by contacting Sue Rogers at Food South Australia on (08) 8226 0468.

Entries close Wednesday 14 August 2007.