2008 Launch

Applications open for 2008 Premier's Food Awards

Mark Olive and Minister Rory McEwenThe eleventh annual Premier’s Food Awards have gone ‘green’ in 2008 and are now open for applications, with all South Australian finished food and beverage businesses being encouraged to ‘turn over a new leaf’ and enter.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Rory McEwen says the ‘green’ twist this year will be the focus of the Awards theme - ‘Growth’.

“We will be helping the SA food industry to start thinking more ‘green’ in order to play a leading role in helping to reduce the effects of climate change,” Mr McEwen said.

“Some of the measures being encouraged include purchasing fresh, local produce, using safe alternatives to chemicals, installing water recycling facilities and using recyclable packaging materials,” Mr McEwen said.

The presentation gala dinner this year will be held at the new Adelaide Showground Exhibition Hall with a special ‘environmental’ menu using organic produce and measuring food miles created by Simon Bryant from Hilton Adelaide and Simon Camp from Michael O’Brien Catering.

“The Awards are fantastic at showcasing the businesses and products that have helped establish our state as the food capital of Australia,” Mr McEwen said.

“Over their ten year history, they have contributed significantly towards raising the profile of our food culture and industry, as well as providing a benchmark to which all South Australian food businesses can aspire.”

Minister McEwen was joined at today’s launch on the golfing ‘green’ at the Tap Inn by acclaimed Aboriginal chef, Mark Olive who is MC for the Awards presentation gala dinner on November 14 this year.

Award categories this year are: