South Australia’s food and beverage industry powers ahead with a renewed focus on innovation, sustainability, and growth.

South Australia’s food and beverage industry – the state’s “largest” manufacturing sector – is setting its sights firmly on the future, as entries open for the 2025 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards.

For more than 25 years, the awards continue to celebrate excellence across the entire value chain, from paddock to plate. This year’s program brings a renewed focus on sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and robust business systems, reflecting an industry committed to long-term, future-focused growth – while still honouring the legacy of the businesses that have shaped its success to date.

Presented by Food South Australia, with the support of the Government of South Australia through the Department of State Development, the awards provide a high-profile platform for local food and beverage businesses to gain industry-wide recognition, strengthen connections, and explore new opportunities for expansion. With strong industry support from sponsors such as Principal Sponsor, San Remo, the program continues to grow in impact, reach and relevance.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasised the awards’ role in showcasing South Australia’s leadership in premium food and beverage production.

“These awards continue to set the standard for best practice and innovation across our state’s food and beverage sector,” the Premier said. “I encourage businesses from across the state to get involved and take advantage of the benefits this prestigious program offers.”

Food South Australia CEO Tori Dixon-Whittle says the awards go far beyond recognition.

“We’re not just recognising excellence – we’re creating strategic opportunities for businesses to grow, innovate, and lead,” she said. “These awards offer valuable industry connections, targeted development opportunities, and increased visibility to drive ongoing success and leadership.”

One of the many opportunities open to participants is the Foodland Retail Ready Program, which provides tailored support and direct access to local retail markets through Foodland Supermarkets – a key pathway for emerging brands to reach consumers.

A broader, bolder program in 2025

This year’s awards feature 18 categories, judged by an independent panel of industry experts. The program continues to evolve with industry trends, with standout categories including:

• Innovation Award, sponsored by The Yoghurt Shop
• New Product Award, sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets
• Business Improvement Award, sponsored by Visy
• Agritourism Award, sponsored by The South Australian Tourism Commission.

A new category for 2025 – the State Contribution Award, sponsored by Mitani Group – will recognise national organisations making a significant economic contribution to South Australia.

The ever-popular Consumer Choice Award, sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets, returns in 2025 and will again be decided by public vote, giving South Australians the chance to celebrate their favourite local food and beverage brands.

This year also sees the continued support of the Mental Health & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, highlighting the importance of workplace wellbeing in sustainable business success.

Key dates

• Entries open: Monday 19 May 2025
• Entries close: Monday 14 July 2025
• Winners announced: Friday, 14 November 2025 at the South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards Gala Dinner at the Adelaide Convention Centre – the “largest” annual gathering of food and beverage professionals in South Australia and the only event of its kind in the country.

2025 Award Categories & Sponsors

Open Business Award Categories

• Agritourism Award – South Australian Tourism Commission
• Business Improvement Award – Visy
• EatDrink Local Award – MBL
• Education & Training Award – The University of Adelaide
• Emerging Business Award – La Casa Del Formaggio
• Export Award – Department of State Development
• Innovation Award – The Yoghurt Shop
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Award – Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation
• New Product Award – Foodland Supermarkets
• Primary Producer Award – Thomas Foods International
• Service Provider Award – Openbook Howden
• State Contribution Award – Mitani Group
• Sustainability Award – Peats Soil & Garden Supplies.

Open Individual Award Categories

• Leader Award – Bickford’s Group
• Next Generation Award – Macro Group Australia.

Public Voted Award

• Consumer Choice Award – Foodland Supermarkets.

Industry-Nominated and Judge Nominated Awards

• Hall of Fame Award – San Remo
• EatDrink Local SA Award – MBL
• Judges Award for Business Excellence – Presented by Food South Australia.