Held before more than 420 guests, the 2025 FSAA National Awards of Excellence was a showcase of passion, innovation and commitment, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, service providers and operators from across Australia to applaud the achievements of our peers.

There was an undeniable sense of pride in the room as colleagues and competitors came together not just to recognise the winners but to celebrate the strength and resilience of an industry that continues to evolve and inspire. The evening exemplified the FSAA’s mission to champion and celebrate connection, learning and leadership across the foodservice supply chain.

“The Awards remind us of the extraordinary talent and commitment across our industry,” says FSAA CEO Minnie Constan. “It’s about more than winners – it’s about celebrating the people, businesses and ideas that keep foodservice moving forward. Nights like this show just how strong we are when we come together.”

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the distributors and manufacturers who go above and beyond in servicing the industry. These awards honour businesses that set the benchmark for excellence – those who innovate, adapt and consistently deliver exceptional service to their customers.

Honouring Emerging Leaders

The General Management Scholarship was awarded to David March of Unilever Food Solutions, who impressed judges with his leadership potential and vision for building stronger, more resilient businesses and teams. Delivered in partnership with Melbourne Business School, this program has a long history of producing leaders who go on to play significant roles within our sector.

Equally inspiring was the announcement of Silvia Smarrelli as the recipient of the inaugural Marketing Scholarship, proudly sponsored by the Restaurant & Foodservice Show. Silvia’s creativity, strategic thinking and commitment to customer connection saw her rise above a strong field of applicants. This new program is aimed at equipping marketers with the digital and e-commerce skills critical for the future.

Recognising Lifelong Contribution

The FSAA Hall of Fame is reserved for those who have made a lasting impact on the industry. This year Yezdi Daruwalla was inducted for his decades-long contribution of leadership, innovation and commitment to our sector.

The Chairperson Honour Award, chosen personally by the FSAA Chair, recognised Shaun Christie-David, founder of Plate It Forward. Shaun’s efforts to harness the power of food for social good embody the very best of our industry’s values – community, generosity and leadership. His recognition on the national stage was met with resounding applause.

As the FSAA looks ahead, the Awards serve not only as recognition of today’s excellence but also as a beacon for the leaders of tomorrow. Congratulations once again to all finalists and winners – you are the reason our industry continues to thrive.

For more information about the Awards or FSAA membership please contact Minnie Constan, CEO, Foodservice Association of Australia.