14 October 2010

The South Australian Premier’s Food Industry Awards 2010 saw a record number of entries received, up 46%, with 21 first-time entrants received in the nine categories.

SA Agriculture and Food Minister Michael O’Brien is impressed with the quality of the competition.

“The calibre of this year’s finalists says great things about the ongoing strength of the SA food industry,” the Minister says.

A new category was introduced this year, the Foodland SA Understanding Consumers Award, which recognises the best product developed, based on consumer demand.

Finalists in this category are Bickford’s Australia, Cleanseas, Lucia’s Fine Foods, Spring Gully Foods and Tucker’s Natural.

“These businesses have recognised that consumers want to know about their food and are saying it should be healthy and natural without compromising on flavour,” the Minister says.

Winners of the awards will be announced at a gala dinner on Friday, November 5 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

FINALISTS
Innovate SA Visionary Leader Award (Young)

Victoria McClurg, 35, is GM of Barossa Valley Cheese Company which includes a retail cheese cellar, 16 different cheeses and employs five full-time staff.

Cole Thomas, 33, owns and manages Culinetic, What a Dish catering, Cole Thomas Culinary Solutions and the recently established Empirical Cuisine Collective.

Sam Tucker, 35, is MD of Food Service Solutions and Tucker’s Natural which is sold in Australia and 12 countries worldwide and employs 25 full-time staff.

Food and Beverage Development Fund Valuing Workforce Development Award
Bickford’s Australia started in 1874 and is an international business exporting to key markets in South East Asia and the United Arab Emirates and employing more than 300 staff nationally.

Haigh’s Chocolates now has 250 handmade products sold through 12 retail stores, employing 350 staff.

La Casa Del Formaggio manufactures premium quality Italian style cheeses and is the Australia market leader in bocconcini, employing 55 staff.

Peats Soil and Garden Supplies Creating Sustainability Award
Australian Caper Company offers a superior alternative to imported capers,
all produced in an environmentally sustainable manner.

EP Storage was established in 2009 and offers commercial grain storage options to growers on the Eyre Peninsula with their first storage facility at Taragoro.

Department of Trade and Economic Development Developing Markets Award (Domestic)
Olga’s Fine Foods is a meat processing business supplying fresh value-added meat products for more than 30 years and is home to Australia’s first beef Chevapchichi.

Port Lincoln Sardine is involved in the catch, process and market of sardines for human consumption, tuna feed and angler bait in the domestic marketplace.

Tucker’s Natural provides natural premium quality, authentic, Australian made crackers and biscuits for retail and food service.

Department of Trade and Economic Development Developing Markets Award
(International)
Kangaroo Island Pure Grain was established in 2009 and receives, stores and classifies the majority of Kangaroo Island grain which is sold into the domestic and export markets.

Pendleton Fine Foods, established in 2005, employs nine staff and sells a range of high-quality extra virgin olive oils to the Chinese and USA markets.

Seafood Exporters Australia (SEA) has been operating for 18 months, providing fresh and healthy oysters through a commitment to aquaculture sustainability and exports to China.

Adelaide Showground Fostering Value Chain Award
Free Eyre comprises Eyre Peninsula farmers and business houses. It was formed in 2007 to develop and commercialise business opportunities for the region.

Kangaroo Island Pure Grain was established in 2009 and provides “naturally farmed pure grain”, which is segregated, traceable and safe.

Lucia’s Fine Foods has a 50-year history creating and selling their branded range of bottled sauces, fresh pastas, soups, sauces and dips throughout Australia.

Nippy’s is a family owned business with a 70-year tradition as one of South Australia’s best known brands of fresh juices and sell in both the domestic and international markets.

Growing Small Business Award
Baylies of Strathalbyn began in 1996, creating high-quality, handmade bakery products for the niche gourmet food retail sector as well as a retail outlet and contract manufacturing.

Lifestyle Bakery was established more than 10 years ago and is a market leader in creating and providing a unique selection of healthy, high-quality bread and other baked goods.

Kytons Bakery’s history dates back to 1938 growing from a small fundraising bakery to one with national exposure as home of the best lamington in the nation.

Udder Delights started its Lobethal artisan cheese factory since 1999, producing cow and goat milk cheeses and directly employs 10 full time staff.

SARDI Leading Innovation Award
Australian Caper Company pioneered the introduction of caper crops into Australia and was first to produce caper buds and berries grown, processed and packaged in Australia.

Cocolat was formed in 2004 and consists of three dessert cafes, a production kitchen and make a broad range of handmade items across the bakery, chocolate and gelato categories.

Adelaide Produce Markets Limited Servicing Industry Award
AMJ Produce has been established for 75-years, employs 18 full-time staff and currently supplies more than 600 fresh produce lines to foodservice, specialising in chefs.

TAFE SA Regency International Centre’s Food and Beverage educational programs have been operating for more than 25 years, with employee numbers growing from 10 to around 150.

Foodland SA Understanding Consumers Award
Bickford’s Australia has developed a unique product, Aqua Pura Hint Water, as a healthy alternative to consumers, created with just water and a hint of flavour, nothing else.

Cleanseas Limited Marinated Kingfish is available in seven flavours and was introduced into the market in 2009, available at Woolworths and Drake Supermarkets nationally.

Lucia’s Fine Foods Classic Napoletana Sauce is an all-Australian fresh tomato based pasta sauce, sold across Australia and achieved annual sales of 60,000 units.

Spring Gully Foods gluten-free chutney range brings together premium ingredients for a flavoursome taste experience, ideal for health-conscious consumers.

Tucker’s Natural multifibre savoury cracker range includes three flavours made with high fibre, wholegrains and are low in fat, sodium and sugar.