2001 Winners
Malaysia Airlines Young Leader Award
Winner - Mark Pye
Thirty four year old Mark Pye is the Managing Director of Parilla Premium Potatoes. Mark oversees his 18 thousand acre property at Parilla which specialises in growing and packing 50 000 tonnes of fresh, quality vegetables for major supermarket chains in Australia and overseas.
Mark and his wife Fiona have built a major food producing business, growing three different vegetable crops throughout the year. By forming alliances with other growers, Parilla Premium Potatoes can supply customers all year round.
Adelaide Produce Markets Horticulture Industry Award
Winner - DP Exports
DP Exports is a horticulture export company based at Adelaide’s Produce markets and has been in the produce industry for 40 years.
In that time it’s grown from a small produce business supplying independent retailers in the old East End market to a group of 8 specialised companies that now have a strong focus on national and international markets.
DePoi’s has invested in new grading and sorting technology to guarantee the sweetness of fresh produce to customers and gain premium prices.
FPE Meat Industry Development Board Achievement Award
Winner - Tatiara Meat Company
The Tatiara Meat Company was founded in 1980 in the heart of one of Australia’s finest lamb producing regions. Its Bordertown operations slaughter and process up to 8000 head of lambs a day.
Tatiara is currently the largest Australian exporter of chilled lamb to the United States with other export markets in Europe, Asia, South Africa and New Guinea.
PIBA Bank Seafood Industry Achievement Award
Winner - Stolt Sea Farm
Stolt Sea Farm, formerly known as Australian Bluefin, is based at Port Lincoln and is Australia’s largest farmer and processor of Southern Bluefin Tuna. The company pioneered tuna farming and the methods developed a decade ago remain in use today, setting the industry standard.
Stolt Sea Farm has been a major contributor to the development of the Australian Tuna Industry, increasing its ability to compete internationally.
Australian Wheat Board Field Crops Industry Achievement Award
Winner - Blue Lake Milling
Blue Lake Milling is a manufacturer of cereal-based foods for the Australian and the industrial food export market. The operation at Bordertown buys grain directly from an extensive grower base and processes it into food ingredients for cereal and snack food manufacturers and brewers.
Blue Lake Milling is currently upgrading its operations to include an Organic Mill and flour milling equipment.
National Foods Dairy Industry Achievement Award
Winner - Copperpot Fresh Gourmet Dips and Pate
Copperpot Fresh Gourmet Dips and Pate is a South Australian owned company based at Salisbury South. The company prides itself on being a market leader with national distribution and a focus on growing into new markets interstate and overseas.
Copperpot has developed unique packaging and the judges were particularly impressed with the "lunch to go" packs.
Michell & Rural Solutions SA Wool and Other Fibres Award
Winner - Southrose Merino Stud
Southrose Merino Stud, near Tintinara is a 7600 acre sheep property in the South East of the state. It is a family owned business focussed on developing merino genetics to produce a lightweight fibre that can comfortably be worn next to the skin.
Southrose has had great success in the sale of their elite wool at premium prices, excellent stud sales and an increasing client base.
Regency Institute of TAFE Leadership through Training and Development Award
Winner - Yandilla Park
Yandilla Park is a major employer in the Riverland. Despite the seasonal nature of the Citrus Industry, Yandilla Park has achieved a relatively stable work force. It has 100 permanent staff and up to 1500 casuals during the harvest and packing season.
Yandilla Park believes ongoing training for all staff is vital to attract and retain skilled employees in rural areas.
Supermarket to Asia Leadershipship through New Export Development Award
Winner - Yandilla Park
Yandilla Park’s current export drive is into the closed Chinese Market. While it waits for the doors to officially open, Yandilla Park is building relationships with Chinese customers who import fruit to Hong Kong and then distribute into China.
Yandilla Park believes there is huge potential for the Australian Citrus Industry to supply China.
Envestra Leadership through Innovation Award
Winner - Springs Smoked Seafoods
Richard Harris established Springs Smoked Seafoods in 1990, uses unique smoking techniques to commercialise traditional methods. Vacuum-skin packaging is used to display and differentiate the product in the market place.
Springs works with its customers to develop and supply products to meet their specifications.