Eight individuals from across Australia's apple and pear sector have been honoured in the 2025 APAL Awards for Excellence, recognising their leadership, innovation, and service to the industry. Announced by Apple & Pear Australia Ltd (APAL), the awards celebrate contributions that have helped drive growth and success across the country's pome fruit sector.
This year's awards featured winners across seven categories. Two individuals were recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award: Scott Price of Fruit Growers Tasmania and Paul James from Lenswood Cooperative in South Australia, both now retired. Brett Squibb of RW Squibb & Sons Pty Ltd in Tasmania was named Grower of the Year. Travis Georgopoulos from GV Independent Packers Pty Ltd in Victoria received the Industry Rising Star Award, while the Women in Horticulture Award went to Nicole Giblett of Newton Orchards in Western Australia.
In other categories, Dr Hannah James of AgroFresh (VIC) was named Research and Development Provider of the Year, and Shane Priest from Priest Bros Orchards Pty Ltd (VIC) was awarded Marketer of the Year. The Agritourism Award went to Sam Licciardello of Orchard 1 Sixty in Western Australia.
Phil Turnbull, CEO of APAL, remarked on the quality and diversity of this year's awardees, noting their impact across various aspects of the industry. "This year's recipients are a great demonstration of what makes our industry so strong, from emerging leaders to lifelong contributors," he said. Turnbull also highlighted the significance of awarding two Lifetime Achievement recognitions, acknowledging Price and James for shaping their local regions and the broader industry.
The recipients will be formally celebrated at the APAL Technical Symposium event in Goulburn Valley on Monday, 4 August. Each honouree will receive a trophy and the choice of either a $1,000 travel voucher or a $1,500 professional development contribution. The APAL Awards for Excellence aim to spotlight the achievements of growers, researchers, and innovators from apple and pear regions nationwide, with nominations reviewed by a committee of state and industry representatives before being finalised by the APAL Board.
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For more information:
APAL
Tel: +61 3 9329 3511
Email: [email protected]
www.apal.org.au