Health food company Amazonia, who brought the Acai berry to Australia, took home two awards at the 2015 Telstra NSW Business Awards.
Amazonia took home the New South Wales Small Business Award and the NSW Business of the Year.
Since launching in 2008 Amazonia has grown to 19 full time staff and it imports 25,000 tonnes of acai a month. The business has gone on to launch the Raw Nutritional range of supplements in 2013. Developed by health professionals, the range includes protein powders, superfood blends and a sugar crave release spray – all of which contain raw and natural certified organic ingredients.
Family-owned livestock business, Princess Royal Station also claimed two awards: the South Australian Medium Business Award and the South Australian Regional Business Award.
Situated in SA’s historic pastoral centre of Burra, it was formed in 2003 from an existing business, T&R Pastoral, by Simon Rowe and his father and industry figure, the late Robert Rowe. The pair have forged a business in breeding and preparing premium cattle for domestic and overseas sale, and trading of cattle, sheep and lamb. Boasting its own freight division for livestock transport, they also produce one third of their feed requirements from their large scale cropping program.
Nexba Beverages was named the 2015 Telstra NSW Micro Business of the Year.
Engineer Drew Bilbe was inspired to create his own natural, low-calorie real ice tea to share with family and friends in Australia. Drew teamed together with his close childhood friend – like-minded entrepreneur and law student Troy Douglas – to enter the world of beverages. In 2011, with no business experience, the pair, aged 21 and 24, personally financed their business idea and launched Nexba, a beverage brand that is made by Aussies for Aussies. In December 2014, Nexba launched in Coles supermarkets nationally and sold their three millionth can. They also moved from a home office in Manly to a professional office in North Sydney.
“We credit our success to mentors. Our strategy has always been to surround ourselves with experts to help us grow and hit our targets,” said Troy Douglas, Co-Founder and Brand Director.
Kalleske Wines won the South Australian Small Business Award.
The Kalleske family has been farming and growing quality grapes since 1853 near the village of Greenock in SA’s Barossa Valley. In 2002, winemaker Troy Kalleske, together with brother Tony, whose skills lay in management, business development and sales, established Kalleske Wines. Now exporting to 23 countries, the Kalleskes are committed to making chemical-free organic wines.
The Great Southern Distilling Company took home the Western Australian Regional Business Award.
Great Southern Distilling Company was established by Cameron Syme in 2004. Based in Albany and handcrafted using locally farmed produce, the company plans to expand by opening a second distillery in Margaret River this year. Its motto ‘in pursuit of excellence’ has driven a reputation as a world class producer of single malt whisky.
For the full results, click here.