Nominations are open for the APAC Food Safety Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2019 APAC Food Safety Awards, the leading event that recognises and rewards individuals who have contributed to food safety in Australia and New Zealand.

Hosted by the global leader in integrated risk management solutions SAI Global (saiglobal.com), the Food Safety Award winners will be announced at the APAC Food Safety Awards Gala Dinner on 21 August in Sydney.

The dinner is held as part of the APAC Food Safety Conference (20-22 August).

The APAC Food Safety Awards comprise three categories, with nominations closing on 25 July.

Entrants are shortlisted by an independent panel of recognised Australian food experts – with this year’s panel including:

• Andrea Currie, Coles Brand Manager Policy & Technical Standards

• Debbie Peters, wife of the late Ross Peters, the founder of the Ross Peters Award for Excellence in Food Safety

• Paul Holder, 2018 winner of the Ross Peters Award for Excellence in Food Safety

• Kimberly Coffin, SAI Global Head of Food, Retail and Hospitality – Assurance

The award categories are as follows:

• Ross Peters Award for Excellence in Food Safety. This category is open to any individual who has made a notable contribution to food safety in Australia. They can work within any sector of the agri-food industry.

• Leaders of the Future – Food Safety Learning Scholarship. Applicants in this category must work within the food industry and have a junior quality assurance role or equivalent. They must have a background or experience that shows a unique perspective on food safety, a drive towards continuous improvement and leadership potential through vision. The winner will receive a scholarship to complete food safety courses with SAI Global to the value of $10,000.

• Innovators in Food Safety. This award recognises an individual or organisation that has developed best in class innovations in technology, process, procedure and training in relation to food safety. The winner of this award will have made a positive and influential impact on food safety through an innovative idea or product.

John Rowley, CEO of SAI Global Assurance, says: “The APAC Food Safety Awards is an annual event that publicly recognises the achievements of food safety professionals. Their commitment to the industry should be celebrated and rewarded, as there are many individuals in the industry who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our food supply and the minimisation of any potential harm. Now, more than ever, it’s important that we continually strive to the challenges and changes within the food industry.”

Jessica Kelly, winner of the 2018 APAC Food Safety Award for ‘Leaders of the Future – Food Safety Learning Scholarship’ says: "It was very exciting and humbling to have been recognised for an APAC Food Safety Award last year, so early into my career. Winning this award has provided me an opportunity to expand my presence in the industry and explore new networks, career directions, skills and mentor opportunities. I highly recommend anyone thinking about entering to apply as early as possible to demonstrate their skills, passion and commitment in being a part of a strong future for the industry."

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

July

Sydney’s iconic Bastille Festival returns this year from 17-20 July, drawing hundreds of thousands of food and wine lovers, music enthusiasts, and seekers of good vibes.

From the hottest chilli sauces to the smelliest cheese, the Margaret River to the Barossa, we scour the nation to find the most delicious and exciting products around and bring them all together in one place.

Discover the future of winemaking at WineTech 2025, Australia’s premier wine industry trade exhibition, taking place from 21-23 July at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Hosted by Weld Australia, this year's National Manufacturing Summit will be held from 23-24 July 2025 at the Shangri-La Sydney, bringing together a diverse group of industry stakeholders.

August

The 2025 AIFST Convention (AIFST25) will bring together Australia’s agrifood science and technology community for two days of cutting-edge insights, industry connections, and professional growth.

The Gluten-Free Expo is the largest dedicated gluten-free event in Australia. It provides an ideal platform to showcase your gluten-free products to targeted, qualified gluten-free consumers. 

The Australian National University (ANU) Agrifood Innovation Institute has partnered with not-for-profit organisation, Cellular Agriculture Australia (CAA), to bring the future of food to the nation’s capital. Made & Grown: The Future of Food will take place in Canberra on 21 August, spotlighting the biotechnologies shaping the Australian food system.

September

Australia’s largest and most influential food trade event is back in Sydney this year. Fine Food Australia 2025 will take place from 8–11 September at the ICC Sydney, and bring together the full foodservice, hospitality, and retail industry for four powerful days of product discovery, education, and business connection.

The 13th ICSD 2025 will be an opportunity to share ideas and research findings relevant to the Sustainability Science, through the European network of academics.

drinktec 2025 will bring together experts from the beverage and liquid food industry in Munich from 15-19 September 2025. drinktec aims to be the premiere platform for world firsts, where exhibitors from all over the world present the entire value chain with their innovative solutions for beverage and liquid food production.