Four South Australian businesses were celebrated at the 63rd national Australian Export Awards, held at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday night. Among the distinguished winners from over 370 applications across eight states and territories, Aboriginal-owned premium wine company Munda Wines took home the inaugural First Nations Exporter award.
The introduction of this standalone category underscores a commitment to recognizing First Nations traders and exporters who make significant contributions to international trade. Munda Wines, which sources grapes from across South Australia, currently exports to markets in the United States, Canada, and Malaysia.
Munda Wines: A Cultural and Commercial Triumph
Founded by Wirangu and Kokatha man Pauly Vandenbergh, Munda Wines officially launched in 2022. Vandenbergh’s vision was to create a brand that marries culture, land, and commerce, offering a unique point of difference that resonates with international markets.
“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,” said Vandenbergh.
Vandenbergh’s journey into the wine industry began with a joint venture, Wanna Mar Produce, alongside the renowned Port Lincoln fishing Stehr Group. As the first Aboriginal holder of a commercial tuna license in South Australia, Vandenbergh’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of Munda Wines, inspired by a simple question about wine pairing with chargrilled bluefin tuna.
Celebrating South Australian Success Stories
Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell emphasized the importance of highlighting Australia’s exporters, who significantly contribute to the nation’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,” he stated.
“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,” Farrell added.
Other South Australian Winners
- Technologies Category Winner: MyVenue, an Adelaide-based company, develops cloud-based point-of-sale solutions for sports and entertainment venues globally. Since its launch in 2020, MyVenue has deployed over 19,000 POS terminals worldwide.
- Professional Services Category Winner: CMAX Clinical Research, Australia’s longest-established independent facility for clinical trials, was recognized for its role in accelerating product development through robust industry networks and expertise.
- Regional Exporter Category Winner: AlmondCo, a grower-owned cooperative, represents more than 85% of the country’s almond growers. With a state-of-the-art processing facility, AlmondCo has been a staple in the industry for 81 years.
Implications for the Future
The recognition of Munda Wines and other South Australian businesses at the national level highlights the growing importance of cultural authenticity and innovation in global markets. As Munda Wines continues to expand its international footprint, it sets a precedent for other Aboriginal-led businesses aiming to make a mark on the world stage.
Looking ahead, the success of these businesses not only enhances Australia’s reputation as a trusted trading nation but also paves the way for future entrepreneurs to blend cultural heritage with commercial success. The awards underscore a broader trend of embracing diversity and innovation as key drivers of economic growth.
As these businesses continue to thrive, they serve as a testament to the power of combining tradition with modern enterprise, offering a blueprint for future generations of entrepreneurs.
