MEDIA RELEASE 22.09.2021
The finalists in this year’s South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards are all outstanding examples of an ethos of excellence and growth, according to Food South Australia CEO Catherine Sayer.
“The South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards recognises food and beverage companies who stand out for their achievements in terms of industry best practice and innovation. Our theme for 2021 is Turning the Page, and this year’s finalists exemplify the industry’s forward focus,” says Ms Sayer.
“While it is taking time to turn the page on the impacts of the last 18 months and there is a lot of work ahead, the food and beverage sector in South Australia continues to drive growth and generate significant income and jobs for our state.
“Entries in the awards are up by a massive 50% this year and, once again, the breadth of products these businesses make is remarkable.
“This year’s awards program also saw the introduction of a Retail Ready program for entrants, finalists and winners. This is a significant additional benefit to entering the awards, where these businesses are supported with opportunities to build their retail sales skills and take part in consumer activations through Foodland Supermarkets,” Ms Sayer said.
“We recently presented the first element in this program with an intensive day of sessions for entrants focused on preparing their businesses for retail sales which included practical tips and insights from the Foodland Supermarkets team, along with guidance on financial management and legal issues from Food South Australia sponsors Moore Australia and Norman Waterhouse.”
“The ever-popular Consumer Award attracted votes from every Australian state and as far afield as Bahrain, Europe, the US, Malaysia and Japan, demonstrating South Australian products have loyal fans all over the world,” Ms Sayer said.
Food South Australia hosts and manages the awards program, with funding support through the State Government.
“The State Government’s focus on growth highlights the importance of the food and beverage sector to the South Australian economy,” says South Australian Premier Steven Marshall.
“Our Growth State Strategy recognises the importance of taking a multi-faceted approach to achieve the state’s growth goals.
“The South Australian food and beverage sector is achieving across a number of areas and is well supported with capability and market-building initiatives delivered through the unique and longstanding industry-government partnership we have with Food South Australia.
“I would like to congratulate all of the finalists this year and look forward to learning who our winners are when they are announced at the Gala Dinner on Friday 12 November,” Mr Marshall said.
“We are all set for another memorable night,” Ms Sayer added. “It’s our biggest night of the year and there is a lot to celebrate!”
The full list of finalists can be viewed here.
The winners for 2021 will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on 12 November.