A pioneer in establishing kangaroo on Australian restaurant menus has been recognised with two major awards in the 2014 South Australian Food Industry Program Awards.

Macro Meat Gourmet Game founder Ray Borda was last night awarded the inaugural Duncan MacGillivray Entrepreneurs Award for pioneering the kangaroo industry in Australia. The company also won the Foodland SA New Product Award for its Paroo Premium Kangaroo range.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Leon Bignell said the food South Australian Food Industry Awards Program recognised some of the State’s leading food industry businesses and individuals who demonstrate vision, leadership and excellence.

“This year’s awards attracted a record number of entries, including a number of first-time applicants, which strongly illustrates the strength of South Australia’s food industry,” he said.

“Our food industry generates more than $14 billion for the state’s economy every year, employs around one in five working South Australians, and accounts for more than 32 per cent of the State’s merchandise exports.

“The State Government continues to support the industry’s growth and prosperity through our Premium Food and Wine from our Clean Environment strategy, which is one of the State’s 10 key economic priorities.”

The Duncan MacGillivray Entrepreneurs Award – sponsored by PIRSA – honours Duncan’s extensive contribution to the food and wine sector in South Australia, through his creation of the Two Dogs Lemonade brand and Kangaroo Island Pure Grain. He passed away in January.

Other food industry leaders recognised at Awards Grand Final dinner at the Adelaide Oval last night include Maggie Beer Products inducted into the San Remo Hall of Fame, and Mark Laucke from Laucke Flour Mills winning the Bickford’s Australia Leader Award.

Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith, who presented the Department of State Development Food Export Award, said the award recognised businesses demonstrating innovation, planning and implementation skills which lead to successful ongoing exports.

“The South Australian food and wine industry is our largest export earner with high quality grains, wine, seafood, meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables grown in diverse natural environments across the State,” he said.

“To ensure this ongoing success, the State Government also supports the food manufacturing sector through the Competitive Foods Initiative to help develop collaboration, encourage innovation and apply new technologies so that they can continue to compete on a national and international level.

“We also work closely with Austrade, and implement the TradeStart and Gateway Business programs, to help the businesses enter international markets and build important relationships.”

Food SA CEO Catherine Barnett said a record 650 guests attended last night’s award dinner.

“This is a fantastic reflection on the importance the awards are regarded within the South Australian food industry. It’s great to see businesses of all sizes represented in this year’s group of winners,” she said.

“The mix of recognition going to both industry pioneers and emerging enterprises illustrates the strength and diversity in our food sector.”

Other Award winners last night included B.-d. Farm Paris Creek, Almondco Australia, Seafood Exporters Australia, Woodside Cheese, Golden North, and Enzos at Home, which took home the Brand South Australia Consumer Award.

2014 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FOOD INDUSTRY AWARDS PROGRAM WINNERS

San Remo Hall of Fame winner:

Maggie Beer Products has made a significant contribution to the South Australian and Australian food industry over many years. Maggie herself has raised the profile of the Australian food industry by all her activities and through the media. She is an advisor to the State Government and tireless promoter of our country regions. In 2012 she received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to tourism and hospitality industries as a cook, restaurateur and author, and the promotion of Australian produce and cuisine.

Bickford’s Australia Leader Award winner:

Mark Laucke (Managing Director, Laucke Flour Mills, former president of the Flour Millers Council of Australia, Premium Food and Wine from our Clean Environment Ambassador.) Mark believes that all South Australian food and beverage producers can benefit from the wholesale adoption of business practices promoting healthy, ethical conduct along with mutually beneficial collaboration. Mark is also believes that all South Australian producers should be committed to optimum performance for all our state’s products.

Duncan MacGillivray Entrepreneurs Award supported by Primary Industries and Regions of South Australia:

Ray Borda (Managing Director, Macro Meats Gourmet Game.) Ray has pioneered the kangaroo industry. Taking a wild meat product that was only available as pet meat, he changed consumer perceptions towards the benefits of eating kangaroo meat. Through his vision and drive, and pioneering spirit, Ray has changed the way Australians eat. Ray Borda is a true frontier entrepreneur.

Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society Best Practice Award winner:

Almondco Australia – almond processor co-operative comprising more than 35 per cent of Australia’s almond crop and 80 per cent of its almond growers.

Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society Business Development Award winner:

MOO Premium Foods – leading manufacturer of premium yoghurts and ready-to-eat desserts.

South Australian Research and Development Institute Innovation Award winners:

Greater than 15 full time equivalent employees:

Almondco Australia – for “Almondco Pure” – its new brand developed using an in-line pasteurisation system.

Less than 15 full time equivalent employees:

Ashton Valley Fresh – apple juice production company – for designing and installing a spray system that atomises enzymes and ascorbic acid to enable higher juice extraction levels.

Thomas Foods International Primary Producer Award winners:

Greater than 15 full time equivalent employees:

B.-d. Farm Paris Creek – South Australia’s first biodynamic dairy farm utilising a friendly liquid compost system.

Less than 15 full time equivalent employees:

Rainbow Fresh – sustainable producers of safe, high quality fresh gourmet lettuces that they grow, harvest, processes and distribute.

Department of State Development Export Award winners:

Greater than 15 full time equivalent employees:

Almondco Australia – current exporter to established markets and actively expanding production capacity and building demand in markets worldwide.

Less than 15 full time equivalent employees:

Seafood Exporters Australia – operating one of the largest oyster exporters into the Chinese market for South Australian oysters.

Peats Soil and Garden Supplies Sustainability Award winners:

Greater than 15 full time equivalent employees:

B.-d. Farm Paris Creek – comprising two biodynamic dairy farms, that continue to reduce water usage and usage of cleaning chemicals, and operate a power factor regulator.

Less than 15 full time equivalent employees:

Najobe Park Red Angus – cattle breeders that have identified new growth areas and utilised social media for promoting breeding program, animal traceability and sustainable practices.

Foodland SA New Product Award winners:

Greater than 15 full time equivalent employees:

Macro Meats Gourmet Game – for Paroo Premium Kangaroo, a range of premium kangaroo cuts developed especially for chefs and restaurants.

Less than 15 full time equivalent employees:

Woodside Cheese Wrights – for Kris Lloyd Artisan Persian Feta, available in three varieties with different blends of cow and goats milk.

Primary Industries and Regions of South Australia Regional Award winner:

Golden North – located at Laura in the Mid North and produces palm oil free, rich ice cream using fresh milk and cream.

Brand South Australia Consumer Award winner:

Enzos at Home – produces authentic Italian gourmet meals, available at six locations, and conveniently packaged and available to enjoy in your own home.