Judging
Each award entry is assessed by a panel of external judges with food and beverage industry expertise or experience, and overseen by the Independent Chair of Judging, to ensure impartiality.
Food South Australia is not involved in the judging process.
Brenton Leitch, Independent Chair of Judging:
“The Awards program continues to evolve, highlighting key drivers for business success, providing feedback to finalists and recognising those businesses excelling in the Food and Beverage Industry.
The inclusion of large corporates this year is a great initiative, adding a new dimension and further recognising businesses who contribute significantly to the Industry and State economy.”
2026 Judging Panel
Dr Kathryn Anderson
Director, Innovation Central Adelaide
Gina Dal Santo
Cheese Culture
Matt Davidson
SA/NT Corporate Agribusiness, NAB
Dr Permal Deo
Former Deputy Chief Executive. PIRSA
Kristen Eckhardt
Associate Director, Brand SA
Cameron Ellis
Inghams
Celeste Frost
La Casa Del Formaggio
Briony Leibich
Flavour Logic
Dr Vicki Mavrakis
Institute Manager, Waite Institute. Adelaide University
Dr Don Plowman
John Teager
Oscar Zhang
Department of State Development
Helen Bethell
Adelaide University/Quantum Australia
Clayton Graham
Macro Group Australia
Sarah Leo
Even Keel Leadership
David Monck
Former Innovation Facilitator, CSIRO
Philip Ransome
Managing Director, The Executive Hub
Steven Todd
Steven Todd Business Advisory Services
Lisa Canale
Director SA/NT, Moore Australia
Rob Graves
Thomas Foods International
Josh Lightowler
Bickford’s Group
Andrew Myers
South Australian Produce Market Limited
Dr Maria Saarela
Research Director, Food Sciences, SARDI
Dr George Uyvary
Managing Director, Olgas Fine Foods
John Carragher
Logifish Consulting
Mandy Hall
Real Food Hall
Robert Lloyd
Industry Consultant
Lowen Partridge
Owner, Peartree Brand Strategy
Nicolle Sincock
Invest SA, Department of State Development
Danielle Watts
General Manager, Marketing, Foodland Supermarkets
Nick Cork
End Food Waste
Shantal Hart
Director, Adelaide Dining Magazine
Rosa Matto
Leader, Slow Food SA
Kane Paues
MBL
Ethan Tan
Ethan Tan Consulting
Jade Wright
Specialised Banking Manager, NAB
