At a gala dinner on Friday, twenty-three of the state’s best food and beverage manufacturers and individuals were recognised for their exceptional products and business practices. Here, we share which of your favourite brands won.

In South Australia, we are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to food and drink – in part because of the diverse and pristine growing conditions, but also because of the passion shown by our food producers and manufacturers.

This is acknowledged annually through the South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards.

This year’s gala dinner, appropriately themed ‘A Shared Experience’ was attended by members and friends of the food industry, together with the Governor Frances Adamson and the Premier Peter Malinauskas.

The menu, created specially by the Adelaide Convention Centre team, showcased South Australian produce and included a taste of the hard work of some of the year’s finalists.

Food South Australia partners with the Department of Trade and Investment to present the awards and its CEO Marni Cook said there was a great sense of community in the room.

“Revealing the winners fills us with immense pride,” she said. “It marks an occasion to shine a light on the finest businesses and products our state has to offer, and to officially acknowledge the industry’s ongoing role in propelling the state’s manufacturing sector forward.”

Three of the state’s premium producers were acknowledged in the Business Excellence category.

Port Lincoln-based shellfish producer Yumbah Aquaculture was recognised for its data driven decision making and dedication to research investment, while Haigh’s Chocolates shared the honour for its business strategy and customer centric approach.

The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co was also recognised after strengthening their business and managing challenges resulting from the 2020 bushfires. The company also won the Education and Training award.

Another honey producer Pure Origins, which specialises in manuka honey, took home the Export Award alongside the Renmark-based growers co-operative Almondco Australia.

There were plenty of winners from the state’s regions, with Fleurieu Milk Company, strawberry grower and market hall Harvest the Fleurieu, Bordertown’s Good Country Hemp and hi-tech Port Augusta-based tomato grower Sundrop Farms all taking home awards.

In a highly competitive category decided by public vote, South Australian icons, Beerenberg and Kytons Bakery each clinched the popular Consumer Award.

While cheesy favourite, La Casa Del Formaggio was inducted into the Hall of Fame, a testament to its enduring impact and ongoing high-level success.

In a time when mental health and wellbeing is so important, Spring Gully Foods was recognised for its workplace wellbeing initiatives and ongoing support for their team.

Standing onstage in front of the crowded room during the celebrations, Premier Peter Malinauskas said industry is a vital part of the state’s growing economy.

“The high level of entrants, finalists and award winners showcased in this year’s awards reflects the passion, innovation and dedication that characterises our food and beverage industry,” he said.

“Not only is it an industry that has shown incredible leadership through challenging times, but importantly, it continues to innovate and create new opportunities, products and services, which significantly contribute to our state and its economy.

“I’m proud to partner with Food South Australia to recognise our state’s best through this awards program, which is a benchmark for excellence and best practice in the food and beverage industry, providing entrants with valuable input from industry experts, fostering connections and growing business capabilities.”

See if your favourite brand is a winner…

 Business Award categories:

Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Visy

– The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co (up to 15 FTEs)

– Yumbah Aquaculture (more than 15 FTEs)

– Haigh’s Chocolates (more than 15 FTEs)

Education and Training Award, sponsored by the University of Adelaide

– The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co (up to 15 FTEs)

– Fleurieu Milk Company (more than 15 FTEs)

Emerging Business Award, sponsored by La Casa Del Formaggio

– Local Kitchen Co

Export Award, sponsored by the Department for Trade and Investment

– Pure Origins (up to 15 FTEs)

– Almondco Australia (more than 15 FTEs)

Innovation in Business Award, sponsored by Mitani Group

– Australian Native Food Co

Innovation in Food or Beverage Award, sponsored by Food Processing Equipment

– Continental Taralli Biscuits (up to 15 FTEs)

– Harris Smokehouse (more than 15 FTEs)

Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation

– Spring Gully Foods

New Product Award, sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets

– Good Country Hemp (up to 15 FTEs)

– Golden North (more than 15 FTEs)

Primary Producer Award, sponsored by Thomas Foods International

– Harvest the Fleurieu (up to 15 FTEs)

– Sundrop Farms (more than 15 FTEs)

Sustainability Award, sponsored by Peats Soil & Garden Supplies

– Harvest the Fleurieu (up to 15 FTEs)

–Enzo’s at Home (more than 15 FTEs)

Service Provider Award, sponsored by Madderns

– South Australian Analytical Laboratory Services (up to 15 FTEs)

– Barkuma (more than 15 FTEs)

Individual Award categories:

Leader Award, sponsored by Bickford’s Group

– Fulvio Pagani – Rio Coffee

Next Generation Award, sponsored by Macro Group Australia

– Ryan Sherry – Harvest the Fleurieu

Industry nominated awards:

Hall of Fame, sponsored by San Remo

– La Casa Del Formaggio

Consumer Award:

Sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets

– Kytons Bakery (up to 15 FTEs)

– Beerenberg (more than 15 FTEs)