Foster based boutique beverage producer, Gurneys Cidery, has won the top honour at the annual Federation University Gippsland Business Awards.
The business was named the prestigious Gippsland Business of the Year at Friday’s gala dinner where more than 300 people from across the region filled the Federation University auditorium to celebrate the best of the region's business sector.
James Yeates & Sons Pty Ltd from Bairnsdale joined an impressive list of Gippsland businesses to be inducted into the Gippsland Business Awards Hall of Fame.
Awards Chair, Graeme Sennett, congratulated the two businesses as well as the 11 category winners.
“The standard of this year’s entrants demonstrates the depth and variety of businesses across the region as well as creativity, ingenuity and tenacity,” he said. “The finalists were all outstanding, so it was a difficult task for the judges.”
Mr Sennett said Gurneys Cidery demonstrated a well-defined business plan, encompassing technology and environmental interests, along with innovation in production, wrapping and storage of cider.
“With initial exports of cider to Japan and a strong demand throughout Australia, Gurneys Cider produces unique, small batches of traditional dry ciders from the fruit of thousands of purpose-grown heritage apple trees.
“The cider production shed, and award-winning Cellar Door is becoming a highly visited tourist destination showcasing South Gippsland's growers/ producers and crafts people.”
Each GBA finalist is assessed and independently rated by five different judges across eight judging criteria.
The category winners came from across the region and are listed below, together with a precis of judges’ comments:
Accommodation - Siesta Central Apartments, Sale
Beauty and Personal Care - Laser Clinics Australia Traralgon, Traralgon
Business and Professional Services – RGM, Drouin, Moe, Traralgon
Food & Wine Producers - Gurneys Cider, Foster
Health and Well Being - Dani McLennan Occupational Therapy, Traralgon
Hospitality - Aroma Coffee House & Eatery, Metung
Manufacturing / Export - Scarlet & Grace, Sale
Mechanical Trades and Construction - Habitat Creations Group Pty Ltd, Yarragon
New Business - Full Circle HR & Business Services, Warragul
Retail - Jenkins Home Hardware, Trafalgar
Tourism Activities and Attractions - Walhalla Goldfields Railway, Walhalla
Hall of Fame - James Yeates & Sons Pty Ltd, Bairnsdale
For a full list of winners and finalists CLICK HERE to download the media release.
For additional media comment please contact GBA Chair, Graeme Sennett 0417 509 149
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