2026 Finalists

Business Improvement Award

Sponsored by VISY

This award recognises a business that has demonstrated measurable improvement with established systems in place to continue to develop and grow in the future.

EatDrink Local SA Award

Sponsored by South Australian Produce Market

This award recognises South Australian foodservice businesses that is exceptional at supporting and serving locally produced food and beverages and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices.

Emerging Business Award

Sponsored by La Casa Del Formaggio

This award recognises an emerging business that has been trading for a minimum of 1 year, but no longer than 3 years, and demonstrates potential for continued growth and development of its product(s) and markets.

  • Learn more on Instagram @brians_butcher_shop

  • Learn more at senormexican.com.au

Export Award

Presented by the Department of State Development

This award recognises a business that has demonstrated innovation, planning and implementation excellence, leading to a breakthrough or successful ongoing exports into international and/or domestic markets.

Innovation
Award

This award recognises a business that has introduced an innovation that has added value and/or created a competitive market advantage. This may be a new business model, system or process, including AI and advanced manufacturing technologies, or a ‘Food technology’ where science has been applied to production.


Marketing Impact Award

New Category

This award recognises outstanding marketing initiatives that have successfully marketed a South Australian food or beverage product or brand to consumers between 31 January 2025 and 31 January 2026. It celebrates creativity, strategic execution and measurable impact, including clear market insight and demonstrated results such as increased sales, brand awareness and/or consumer engagement.

  • The "Feed Your Joy" campaign is a brand-wide celebration that highlights family, tradition, and premium Australian-made smallgoods through seasonal recipe guides and exclusive customer loyalty rewards.

    Learn more at barossafinefoods.com.au

  • "The Drink of Summer" campaign positions their dual portfolio of heritage cordials, premium sodas, and pre-mixed RTD cocktail casks as the ultimate, refreshing choice for warm-weather entertaining.

    Learn more at vok.com.au

  • Continental Taralli Biscuits was launched to create awareness and demand for an unfamiliar product category in Australia’s competitive savoury snack market. Through targeted storytelling, product education and usage-led marketing, the campaign drove product discovery, encouraged trial and supported stronger retail presence.

    Learn more at tarallibiscuits.com.au

  • KIN used a targeted, partnership-driven strategy to introduce premium Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna to the shelf-stable seafood market. Through storytelling, creator content, digital advertising, events and collaborations, the campaign built consumer awareness and wholesale demand while positioning KIN Tins as a premium, versatile ingredient.

    Learn more at kinseafood.com.au

  • This initiative focused on growing It’s Olio’s audience and owned marketing channels ahead of Black Friday through brand collaborations, giveaways, influencer partnerships, and digital content. The strategy expanded the email database, engaged new audiences, and built anticipation for the peak sales period.

    Learn more at itsolio.com.au

  • Skara Smallgoods strengthened its national retail presence through targeted digital marketing, catalogue promotions and in-store activations supporting expansion across Woolworths and Coles. These initiatives increased brand awareness, consumer engagement and loyalty, helping drive wider distribution and establish Skara as a recognised premium smallgoods brand nationally.

    Learn more at skara.com.au

New Product Award

Sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets

This award recognises a business that has demonstrated excellence in developing, or enhancing, and launching a food or beverage product into the market between 31 January 2025 and 31 January 2026.

People & Culture Award

New Category

Sponsored by Adelaide University

The People & Culture Award recognises a business that has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting its people through employee development, training and workplace wellbeing initiatives. This award celebrates businesses that foster a positive culture of learning, growth, inclusion and care, while investing in the skills, health and wellbeing of their people.


Primary Producer Award

Sponsored by Thomas Foods International

This award recognises a business or association that demonstrates excellence in the sustainable production of safe, high-quality food and/or has contributed to the positive profile of the agribusiness industry.

This award also celebrates businesses who have enhanced their business through innovation or diversification, including agritourism initiatives that connect consumers with farming and/or food production, open new market opportunities, and increase community connections.

Service Provider Award

Sponsored by MBL

This award recognises a business that has contributed to development activity and industry growth through the manufacture or supply of products or services used in the food or beverage industry.

State Contribution Award

Sponsored by Ingham’s Australia

This award recognises an interstate or international organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to South Australia and the state’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.


Sustainability
Award

This award recognises a business that has demonstrated excellence in its effort to reduce their carbon footprint and integrate sustainability within its business model.

Leader Award

Sponsored by Bickford's Group

This award recognises an individual within the South Australian food and beverage industry, who has a commitment to excellence and who inspires and influences others. They will demonstrate evidence of leadership, creativity and achievement, leading to a shared vision within their own business and across the industry.

Marco Staltari, Nonna’s Cucina

Phil Donnelly, Mayfair Bakery and Patisserie

Sam Tucker, Tucker’s Natural

Next Generation Award

Sponsored by Macro Group Australia

This award recognises an up-and-coming individual within the South Australian food and beverage industry, who has a commitment to excellence and who has already demonstrated evidence of leadership, vision and initiative, as well as a strong understanding of the industry and its future needs.

Ben Walter, Mitolo Family Farms

Emanual Alemshet, Vili’s Family Bakery

Joseph Skara, Skara Smallgoods

Consumer Choice Award

Sponsored by Foodland Supermarkets

Entry in the Consumer Award is open to South Australian food and beverage manufacturers and producers with the winner being nominated by public vote.