Congratulations to the 2021 Winners
The winners of the 7th Australian Organic Annual Industry Awards were announced during a virtual evening celebration on Friday 12 November 2021 by peak industry body Australian Organic Limited (AOL). The successful winners collectively represent a range of categories including fresh produce, pantry, honey, tea, meat, wine and baby food products.
AOL Chief Executive Officer, Niki Ford, said the Awards were designed to celebrate excellence in the organic industry and applauded the winners for their leadership in, and commitment to, the nation’s rapidly growing $2 billion-plus organic industry.
View the full media release at the link below.
Australian Organic Industry Awards 2021 Winners
Click on the winners to learn more.
New Product of the Year
Meluka Apple Cider Vinegar infused Raw Honey
For over 30 years, Jenbrook has grown, produced and supplied the world with pure, high quality and sustainable botanical products. Meluka is a brand of Australian health and wellness products that celebrate Australian superfoods and botanicals, delivering significant concentration benefits derived from utilising unique extract and infusion processes.
Exporter of the Year
Angove Family Winemakers
Certified organic for over 15 years, Angove Family Winemakers is Australia’s leading certified organic grape grower and winemaker, with a deep commitment to sustainability at all levels. Established 135 years ago by Dr William Angove and now under the guidance of the 5th generation of the Angove family, the brand has a deep heritage in health and wellbeing.
Retailer of the Year
Honest to Goodness
Honest to Goodness is an Australian, family-owned business that provides high-quality wholefood ingredients that are beneficial to your health and are easy to incorporate into everyday life. The brand is committed to educating, empowering and inspiring the community to make wholesome, sustainable and ethical choices that benefit both people and the planet.
Manufacturer of the Year
Organic Merchant
Organic Merchant was founded by Naturopath Chalimah Jeanne. The brand’s extensive range includes certified organic herbal teas and cacao infusions, crafted from carefully selected ingredients that are hand-blended and beautifully presented. Organic Merchant is now stocked in over 500 stores nationwide and sells direct to consumers through their online store.
Young Organic Leader
Rachel Davis – Eco-Farms
Rachel is Sales and Development Manager for Eco-Farms, Australia’s biggest organic distributor. Working in the wholesale organic industry since the age of 14, Rachel has been an active contributor to progressing the needs of the organic industry through participation in several working groups and committees.
Trailblazer of the Year
Katrina Kehoe – Kehoe’s Kitchen
Katrina is one half of the devoted husband and wife duo behind Kehoe’s Kitchen – Australia’s first certified organic producer of fermented vegetables, cashew dips and spreads. Kehoe’s began as a personal health journey for Katrina and her family, and is now an award-winning brand stocked in stores nationwide.
Woman in Organic of the Year
Melissa Brown – Gemtree Wines
Melissa is Chief Viticulturist and co-owner of Gemtree wines, an award-winning certified organic winery in McLaren Vale. She began working on her parents’ vineyards and went on to become a qualified, and award-winning, viticulturist and a well-regarded expert in biodynamic and organic farming.
Farmer of the Year
Mick Dan – Good Harvest Organic Farm
Mick Dan is Co-Founder and Farmer at Good Harvest Organic Farm – a social enterprise that grows and delivers organic produce from their certified organic farm on the Sunshine Coast. Mick’s involvement as a collaborative organic farmer has led to an increase in the region’s growing outputs and capacity.
Business of the Year
Arcadian Organic & Natural Meat Co.
Arcadian Organic & Natural Meat Co is a leading global supplier of premium quality certified organic meat and is a pioneer in the organic meat industry. The company’s flagship Cleaver’s brand is the most successful organic meat brand in Australia, delivering new, innovative certified organic products to Australians every year. Arcadian is officially certified as a LowCO2 business.
Chairman's Award
Ian King – AUS-QUAL
Ian has worked for 54 years in the meat and livestock industry serving on numerous meat industry committees and councils in both Australia and New Zealand. Since 1992, Ian has been CEO of AUS-MEAT working towards the development of standards underpinned by Quality Assurance systems. Ian is a longstanding supporter of the industry, always willing to share his experiences, knowledge and advice for organic.
Hall of Fame
Dooley Crighton-Bellamy – Bellamy’s Organic
Dooley-Crighton Bellamy is Co-Founder of Bellamy’s Organic, Australia’s leading organic baby food and formula brand. The idea for Bellamy’s Organic was sparked when Dooley was unable to find an Australian organic baby food option for her young children. She has spent three decades committed to the Australian and New Zealand organic industry, and alongside Bellamy’s has launched a range of commercial innovations, supporting certified organic farmers, suppliers and industry associations along the way.