Categories
Open Business Awards
Business Improvement Award
This award recognises a business that has demonstrated measurable improvement with established systems in place to continue to develop and grow in the future.
Who can enter? South Australian food or beverage manufacturers, producers and processors.
EatDrink Local SA Award
This award recognises a South Australian foodservice or hospitality business that is exceptional at supporting and serving locally produced food and beverages and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices.
Who can enter? South Australian foodservice and hospitality businesses.
Emerging Business Award
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.
Who can enter? South Australian food or beverage manufacturers, producers and processors.
Export Award
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.
Who can enter? South Australian food or beverage manufacturers, producers and processors.
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 2024 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.
Who can enter? South Australian food or beverage manufacturers, producers and processors.
State Contribution Award
This award recognises a national organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to South Australia and the state’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.
Who can enter? National food or beverage manufacturing organisations operating a large facility in South Australia.
Innovation Award
Updated Category
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.
Who can enter? South Australian food or beverage manufacturers, producers and processors.
People & Culture Award
New Category
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.
Who can enter? South Australian food or beverage manufacturers, producers and processors
New Product Award
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.
Who can enter? South Australian food or beverage manufacturers, producers and processors.
Primary Producer Award
Updated Category
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.
Who can enter? South Australian Primary Producers and Agribusiness or Agri-focused Industry Associations
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.
Who can enter? South Australian food and beverage manufacturers, producers and processors.
Service Provider Award
This award recognises a business that has contributed to development activity and industry growth through the manufacture or supply of products and/or services used in the food or beverage industry.
Who can enter? South Australian food and beverage manufacturing industry service providers
Individual
Awards
Leader Award
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.
Next Generation Award
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.
Public voted
Awards
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.
Voting opens on Monday 27 July 2026.
Industry Nominated/Judge Nominated Awards
Hall of Fame Award
Sponsored by San Remo
Recognising an individual or business that has demonstrated ongoing high level success in their designated profession and has made a significant and sustainable contribution to South Australia's food and beverage industry.
Please note: The Hall of Fame is conferred by a panel of industry experts based on industry nominations, i.e. individuals and businesses cannot directly apply for this award.
Business Excellence Award
Presented by Food South Australia
Determined by the judges and awarded to an entrant from any category, who stands out across all stages of the assessment as exceptional and a benchmark for the food and beverage industry.