The organic farming sector was in the spotlight at the Organic Industry Awards 2025 with pioneering growers and red meat leaders taking out top honours
Hosted by Australian Organic Limited (AOL), the awards recognised the individuals and businesses driving innovation, integrity and growth in certified organic farming, now claimed as a $2.6 billion industry.
From pioneering family farms to trailblazing consumer brands, the best in Australia’s certified organic industry were honoured at the 2025 award night held in Melbourne VIC.
The awards highlighted the individuals and businesses driving growth, innovation, and trust in certified organic products across the food, beverage, farming, retail, and lifestyle sectors.
Alongside national retailers, this year’s awards highlighted some standout trailblazers in farming and meat industries.
Rodney and Tania Bruin, who own and run Summit Organics, in northern New South Wales, were named Producer of the Year. Summit Organics is known for its 128-hectare farm supplying more than 50 varieties of vegetables and herbs direct to local communities.
EcoHarvest Tasmania, which began last year with 40,000 strawberry plants, was awarded Emerging Organic Business of the Year after expanding to supply Hill Street Grocer stores and major wholesale markets with organic berries.
Meanwhile, Organic Innovator of the Year went to River Stone Aquaculture Innovations for its ground-breaking use of microbiomes derived from barramundi fish manure to regenerate soils and improve fertility across Australian farms.
In the meat sector, Cleaver’s, Australia’s largest organic beef producer, claimed Campaign of the Year for its leadership in livestock production and consumer education. At the same time, Stephanie Frankham, 33, from Organic Systems and Solutions, was honoured as Young Organic Champion of the Year.
Stephanie has been instrumental in developing the organic red meat sector, transitioning more than 50,000 cattle to organic production, and pioneering sustainability initiatives, including emissions reduction strategies for producers.
Jackie Brian, CEO of Australian Organic Limited, said: “From small family farms to national retailers, each of this year’s winners is helping to reset perceptions of organic and demonstrate its everyday value. They demonstrate the sector’s commitment to integrity, innovation, and accessibility, ensuring that more Australians can benefit from choosing certified organic.
“It shows that organic is not just a label, it’s a movement driving real change on the land and for the planet.”
Among this year’s winners, Cert food and Beverage shone brightly, with Antipodes Gin Co., Australia’s first certified organic distillery, being awarded Certified Organic Beverage Product of the Year for its commitment to sustainability and low-impact production.
Urban Forager was celebrated for its certified organic stock concentrates and broths, winning Certified Organic Food Product of the Year. From a farmers’ market stall to a nationwide presence in 1,600 stores, the Fremantle-based business was recognised for its gut-friendly nutrition, local sourcing and plastic-free packaging.
In lifestyle and women’s health, organic tampon brand Moxie was awarded Certified Organic Non-Food Product of the Yearfor their 100% Organic Cotton Regular Tampons . The Australian-owned, female-founded company has built a reputation for sustainable, reliable period care products that put people and the planet first.
The Organic Industry Awards are held annually by Australian Organic Limited, as part of Australian Organic Awareness Month, the nation’s largest campaign promoting the benefits of certified organic products and the importance of certification.
Highlights of the Organic Industry Awards 2025
· Producer of the Year: Rodney and Tania Bruin – Summit Organics
· Organic Innovator of the Year: River Stone Aquaculture Innovations
Emerging Organic Business of the Year: EcoHarvest Tasmania
· Campaign of the Year: ‘Seriously Organic, Seriously Good’ Cleaver’s Organic
· Young Organic Champion of the Year: Stephanie Frankham, Organic Systems and Solutions
· Certified Organic Beverage Product of the Year: Antipodes Gin by Antipodes Gin Co.
· Certified Organic Non-Food Product of the Year: Moxie 100% Organic Cotton Regular
Tampons – Millie & More
· Certified Organic Food Product of the Year: Organic Chicken Stock Concentrate – Urban
Forager
· Retailer of the Year: Honest to Goodness · Brand of the Year: Honest to Goodness
