South Australia’s food and beverage producers shone brightly at the 2024 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards Gala Dinner on 22 November at the Adelaide Convention Centre, presented by Food South Australia.
From iconic South Australian brands to emerging names, the 29 winners showcased the very best the state has to offer, with local businesses and producers celebrated for their passion, innovation and commitment to excellence.
Setting a new benchmark for industry success, Fleurieu Milk Company topped off the night by winning the Business Excellence Award, alongside its wins in the Business Improvement and Innovation Award categories. The company’s success reflects South Australia’s reputation for producing premium-quality food and beverages.
This year’s awards introduced new categories, recognising more contributors across the food value chain. The Agritourism Award celebrated Beerenberg Family Farm and Watervale Hotel, – Regenerate Watervale for creating incredible on-farm experiences that connect visitors directly to the land and its produce. The Watervale Hotel also claimed the regional EatDrink Local SA Award while PARC Brasserie & Bar was named the metro winner, both recognised for their commitment to showcasing local ingredients and sustainable practices.
Highly commended for its dedication to quality, community, and sustainable practices, Vili’s Family Bakery, was inducted into the Hall of Fame, acknowledging its extraordinary contribution to South Australia’s food and beverage industry.
Meanwhile, the public cast their votes in the Consumer Choice Award, with beloved brands Haigh’s Chocolates and Mike’s Beef Jerky taking out the top honours. These icons continue to win hearts across the state.
The awards also spotlighted fresh ideas, celebrating new products to hit the shelves. Little Tin Co.’s Smokey Port Lincoln Mussels in Cape Jaffa Whiskey and Harris Smokehouse’s Wild Sockeye Salmon Burgers, winning the New Product Award category, highlighting South Australia’s strength in innovation.
Food South Australia CEO Tori Dixon-Whittle said: “These awards are all about celebrating the incredible food and drink businesses that make South Australia so special. They provide an opportunity to recognise their hard work, sustainability efforts, and the exceptional products they bring to the table. This year’s winners are truly outstanding, and they show why our state is a global leader in food and beverage.”
“All of the finalists deserve recognition for their achievements. The Judges witnessed strong competition and high-quality submissions in categories such as Export, Sustainability & Waste Management, and Innovation categories, areas crucial to the future growth and relevance of South Australia’s food and beverage sector,” she continued.
Premier Peter Malinauskas praised the vital role of South Australia’s food and beverage industry in driving the state’s economy: “As our largest manufacturing sector, the food and beverage industry exemplifies passion, innovation, and quality. This year’s award winners highlight the dedication that continues to lead the way, creating new opportunities and showcasing the best of South Australia to the world. I am proud to support these awards, which celebrate excellence, foster connections, and help our businesses grow stronger on both local and global stages.”
The annual South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards are presented by Food South Australia with the support of the Government of South Australia through the Department of State Development.
2024 Winners
Open Business Award categories:
Agritourism Award, sponsored by the South Australian Tourism Commission
- Watervale Hotel – Regenerate Watervale (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- Beerenberg Family Farm (businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
Business Improvement Award, sponsored by Visy
- Mike’s Beef Jerky (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- Fleurieu Milk Company (businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
EatDrink Local SA Award, sponsored by MBL
- PARC Bar & Brasserie (Metro Winner)
- Watervale Hotel (Regional Winner)
- Education & Training Award, sponsored by The University of Adelaide
- Gofalafull (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- Harris Smokehouse (businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
Emerging Business Award, sponsored by La Casa Del Formaggio
- Cultivate Food and Beverage
Export Award, sponsored by the Department of State Development
- Macro Group Australia
Industrial Foodservice Award, sponsored by Mitani Group
- Tucker’s Natural
Innovation Award, sponsored by Food Processing Equipment
- Ashton Valley Fresh (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- Fleurieu Milk Company (businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation
- The Family Cook (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- Yumbah Aquaculture (businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
New Product Award, sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets
- Little Tin Co. – Smokey Port Lincoln Mussels in Cape Jaffa Whisky (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- Harris Smokehouse – Wild Sockeye Salmon Burgers (businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
Primary Producer Award, sponsored by Thomas Foods International
- The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co. (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- Ceravolo Orchards (businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
Sustainability and Waste Management Award, sponsored by Peats Soil & Garden Supplies
- SPhiker (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- MBL (businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
Service Provider Award, sponsored by Madderns
- Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- Cold Logic (businesses with more than 15 FTEs)
Individual Award categories:
Leader Award, sponsored by Bickford’s Group
- George Ujvary, Olga’s Fine Foods
Next Generation Award, sponsored by Macro Group Australia
- Brandon Reynolds, The Yoghurt Shop
Industry nominated and Judges Award categories:
Hall of Fame Award, sponsored by San Remo
- Vili’s Family Bakery
Judges Choice Award for Business Excellence presented by Food South Australia
- Fleurieu Milk Company
Publicly Voted Award
Consumer Choice Award, sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets
Top 20 (in alphabetical order):
- Mike’s Beef Jerky (businesses with up to 15 FTEs)
- Haigh’s Chocolates (businesses with more than 15 FTEs).