The 2023 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards announced a delicious bunch of winners at the annual Gala Dinner event last night, Friday 10 November.

Setting a benchmark in brilliance were Business Excellence category winners, with three distinctly different manufacturers taking their slice of the cake: The Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co, Yumbah Aquaculture and Haigh’s Chocolates. 

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

Fleurieu Milk Company also won an Education and Training award, while Harvest the Fleurieu won a Primary Producers award and a Sustainability award. 

Ryan Sherry from Harvest the Fleurieu won an individual Next Generation award.

Food South Australia CEO Marni Cook says the sense of community was on full display at the gala dinner, appropriately themed ‘A Shared Experience’.

 “Revealing the winners fills us with immense pride. 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.

“All of the participants are worthy of accolades and it's inspiring to witness the strong competition and high-quality submissions in categories such as Export, Sustainability, Innovation, and Education & Training, which are areas crucial to the future growth and relevance of our businesses in South Australia.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas says the food and beverage industry in South Australia remains 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. 

“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.”

For more information or to view the list of finalists, visit the SA Food Awards website. 

Harvest the Fleurieu will hold its annual Strawberry Fair next Saturday 19 November at its Mount Compass strawberry field, featuring free face painting and a jumping castle for the kids, as well as strawberry picking, live music and market stalls.