Outstanding food and beverage manufacturers, producers and industry service providers are being encouraged to enter in the 2023 South Australian Premier's Food and Beverage Industry Awards.
Officially launched by the Hon Clare Scriven MLC on behalf of the Premier of South Australia, the prestigious awards are presented every year and aim to recognise leadership, vision and innovation across the South Australian food and beverage industry. They are hosted by Food South Australia in partnership with the Department for Trade and Investment.
Food South Australia CEO Catherine Sayer said the 2023 awards have a particular focus on sustainable practices, plus mental health and wellbeing in the workplace in addition to overall business excellence. And with an incredible number of entries and businesses recognised in 2022, she said this year's awards are expected to be "the biggest and best yet".
"The Premier's Food and Beverage Industry Awards are our industry's most sought-after awards, and an opportunity for both established and emerging brands and businesses to be recognised for their success.
"But they are also unique in that they provide an opportunity for all entrants – not just those who win - to connect with the broader industry, access expertise and build profile. The Awards program provides entrants with a raft of benefits, such as the Retail Ready Program, sponsored by Foodland, which provides valuable retail support and relationships directly with Foodland Supermarkets. We urge new businesses, past entrants, finalists and past winners to enter again and be part of this incredible awards program."
There are 15 categories in the 2023 program, including the coveted Consumer Award, decided by popular vote. Last year a record-breaking number of just over 10,000 votes were received to determine the winners. Other categories include the Leader, Sustainability, Innovation, Export and New Product awards, plus Hall of Fame recipients among others. All category winners will be announced at a special gala dinner later this year.
Premier Peter Malinauskas MP said the State Government was proud to again partner with Food South Australia to present the 2023 Awards: "These awards are recognised as a benchmark for excellence and best practice in the food and beverage industry, providing valuable input from industry experts while fostering connections and growing business capabilities.
"I strongly encourage food and beverage businesses across South Australia to participate in this year's program and make the most of the incredible benefits that entering the awards provides, and take time to celebrate the industry's achievements."
Entries are open from 5pm today (Monday, May 15), with details about the program and how to enter available here: www.safoodawards.com.au
Key award program dates are as follows:
Entries close 5:00pm Monday 3 July Consumer Award voting opens: 9:00am Monday 10 July Consumer Award voting closes: 5:00pm Monday 11 September Finalists and Consumer Award Top 20 announced: Wednesday 20 September Winners announced: Friday 10 November
About Food South Australia
Food South Australia is the state's peak body for the food and beverage industry in South Australia. Our mission is to support and sustain the state's food and beverage industry by helping businesses of all sizes to grow their markets, business capabilities and capacity, and industry connections. Food South Australia is independent, industry-led and membership-based.
Food South Australia is supported by the State Government with $1 million of funding over four years, in an industry and Government collaboration managed through the Department for Trade and Investment, designed to assist industry and growth.
