Winners of the 63rd annual Australian Export Awards were announced in Canberra on 26 November, featuring several food and beverage industry success stories – including the Agribusiness, Food and Beverages category awarded to Marquis Macadamias, Munda Wines receiving the inaugural First Nations Exporter Award, and Almondco Australia taking out the Regional Exporter category.
The Australian Export Awards is the nation’s longest-running business awards program, celebrating the achievements of exporters and their contribution to Australia’s economic prosperity. In 2025, there were more than 370 applications submitted across eight states and territories and 95 national finalists.
Presented by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in partnership with State and Territory awards program, the Awards are supported by contributions of key sponsors, including leading corporations and Australian Government departments.
Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, said Australia’s exporters make a significant contribution to Australia’s economic prosperity.
“They create thousands of jobs in our regions and cities, taking the best of Australia to the world and enhancing our reputation as a strong and trusted trading nation and partner,” said Farrell.
“I commend all of this year’s finalists and winners who have collectively generated more than $4 billion in export earnings this last financial year.”
Agribusiness, Food and Beverages
Operating since 1983, Queensland-based Marquis Macadamias delivers premium kernel, nut-in-shell, oil and paste to a diverse range of countries across Asia, Europe and the United States.
The company was created to give farmers more control over the value chain. From growing to marketing, their co-op model aims to prioritise Australian farmers’ interests and product integrity. It has become one of the world's largest grower-owned macadamia businesses, processing up to 28,000 tonnes of nut-in-shell annually.
Marquis Macadamias CEO, Ben Adams, said Australia is home to the world’s leading macadamia growers and processing expertise.
“Macadamias are one of the few native Australian foods successfully commercialised and exported globally – a true national success story,” said Adams
“We want our legacy to be a viable and sustainable Australian macadamia industry that delivers premium prices for our growers and premium products for our customers – ensuring long-term prosperity for everyone involved.”
Regional Exporter
Almondco Australia is a grower-owned, dedicated almond processing and marketing company, producing premium quality, food-safe almond products in demand around the world. It has grown to represent more than 85 per cent of Australia’s almond growers, exporting to major destinations including China, India, the United Arab Emirates and across Southeast Asia.
Almondco Australia managing director, Brenton Woolston, said the company was built by almond-growers, for almond-growers, with a clear purpose to prioritise returns to their grower members.
“We are fortunate as Australia has favourable trading arrangements and is seen as a reliable trading partner, particularly in our key Asian markets, that provides the opportunity to further increase export sales to assist in meeting their national food security needs,” said Woolston.
“Due to dedicated trade missions in both Indonesia and Malaysia, a gap in supply has been identified in the range of gluten-free, high-protein, healthy plant-based foods. Australian almonds fill this need for everyday use in snacking, baking and cooking.”
First Nations Exporter
Munda Wines came out on top of a newly introduced category this year, celebrating First Nations businesses making outstanding contributions to international trade.
The proudly Aboriginal-owned premium wine company celebrates and shares culture, connection and Country through its unique blends, named after the Traditional Countries that produce them.
Munda Wines founder and chair, Pauly Vandenbergh, is a proud Wirangu and Kokatha man, and said the award affirms that Aboriginal-owned excellence belongs at the highest level of Australian trade.
“Australia's global reputation for quality and innovation amplifies our story, but it's our deep connection to Country that gives our wines their heart, identity, and sense of place,” said Vandenbergh.
“International markets are eager to engage with the oldest continuing culture on the face of the planet. It is an incredible point of difference for Aboriginal-led businesses and resonates powerfully with our commercial partners. Munda Wines redefined what Australian wine can stand for – proving that culture, Country and commerce can walk together and open pathways for the next generation of Aboriginal entrepreneurs.”
The full list of Australian Export Award winners is available online at exportawards.gov.au.
