Top FMCG brands were celebrated at the weekend at the 20th South Australian Food Industry Awards in Adelaide.
Confectionery giant Robern Menz took the Consumer Award Legend, while MOJO Beverages’ MOJO Tonic and Flinders Free Range Pork received New Product Awards.
Food South Australia CEO Catherine Sayer said that Robern Menz represents the best things in the FMCG industry – “a passion for excellence, the dedication to our state that underpins their business and a product that thousands of consumers have again and again told us is their favourite”.
Haigh’s Chocolates recently expanded A$15 million Mile End factory, the company’s largest investment, helped the company bag the Innovation in Business Award.
“We’re delighted to receive this award and to have the opportunity to celebrate South Australian business and achievements within the food industry. This caps a huge year for the company and our staff who do an incredible job on all fronts. The chocolate processing plant was a milestone project for Haigh’s and has already led to expansion through a fourth Sydney, which opened earlier this month,” said Haigh’s Chocolates chief executive Alister Haigh.
Tony Ceravolo, a third generation orchardist and managing director of Ceravolo Orchards was announced as the recipient of the Leader Award while his daughter Joyce Orchards was named the inaugural winner of the Next Generation Award, a new category added this year to recognise the up and coming generation of industry players.
“Tony has long worked towards a thriving industry for all, and Joyce, who is making her mark leading the implementation of best practice in zero waste and sustainability processes, is also keen to encourage more women in the food and beverage industry into leadership roles,” added Sayer.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the winners and finalists are great examples of the region’s growing food and beverage industry.
“It is important to recognise businesses through the South Australian Food Industry Awards and highlight the vital role they play in underpinning the state’s economy and creating jobs. The State Government is proud to work in partnership with Food South Australia with the shared goal of supporting industry wide growth and the South Australian Food Industry Awards program is supported through this collaboration,” Whetstone said.
The 2018 South Australian Food Industry Awards Winners:
Consumer Award Legend Inductee, sponsored by Statewide Super
Robern Menz
Innovation in Business Award, sponsored by Food Processing Equipment
Haigh’s Chocolates
New Product Award, sponsored by Foodland SA
MOJO Beverages for their MOJO Tonic sparkling low sugar probiotic beverage (More than 15 FTEs) and Flinders Free Range Pork for their free range accredited Australian pork (15 FTEs or less)
Hall of Fame Inductee, sponsored by San Remo
Balfours
Leader Award, sponsored by Bickford’s Group
Tony Ceravolo, Ceravolo Orchards
Next Generation Award, sponsored by Macro Group Australia
Joyce Ceravolo, Ashton Valley Fresh
Duncan MacGillivray Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Primary Industries and Regions SA
Angelo Kotses, Bickford’s Group
Education Award, sponsored by the University of Adelaide
Lifestyle Bakery
Regional Award, sponsored by Primary Industries and Regions SA
Golden North
Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Show Society Foundation
Mitani Group (More than 15 FTEs) and Goolwa PipiCo (15 FTEs or less)
Export Award, sponsored by Visy
Woodside Cheese Wrights
Innovation in Food Award, sponsored by South Australian Research and Development Institute
Mitani Group (More than 15 FTEs) and Ashton Valley Fresh (15 FTEs or less)
Primary Producer Award, sponsored by Thomas Foods International
Clean Seas Seafood (More than 15 FTEs) and Eastbrook Vegetable Farms (15 FTEs or less)
Sustainability Award, sponsored by Peats Soil and Garden Supplies
Ashton Valley Fresh
Service Provider Award, sponsored by Moore Stephens South Australia
Techno Plas
Consumer Award, sponsored by Statewide Super
Golden North
