Ambassador of the Year: NOGO Brands

Ambassador of the Year: NOGO Brands

We are delighted to announce that NOGO Brands has been named the Ambassador of the Year! This is a prestigious award that recognises businesses and individuals who promote Australian Owned certification and actively encourage others to support certified businesses. We are thrilled to see NOGO’s dedication and hard work being recognised with this honour.

Founded by Meg, NOGO is on a mission to provide delicious, gut-friendly sauces and condiments that everyone can enjoy. Meg’s journey with health issues and food allergies inspired her to create a range of products that cater to those with dietary restrictions, without sacrificing flavour. NOGO’s sauces and condiments are Low FODMAP, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free (excluding the Mayo), and are made from only the best, premium Australian ingredients. Handmade and small batch produced in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, NOGO’s commitment to using local and Australian products where possible is truly commendable.

The Ambassador of the Year award celebrates businesses that have a strong track record of promoting Australian Owned businesses and are recognised as advocates for the Australian economy. NOGO’s dedication to supporting local businesses is evident in their sourcing of ingredients and their commitment to being an Australian Owned business.

At NOGO, they believe that healthy food should not be bland and tasteless. Their range of sauces and condiments are so delicious that you won’t even know they’re Low FODMAP, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. NOGO’s products are the perfect solution for busy people who want to eat healthily without sacrificing flavour.

As a proud member of the Australian Owned community, we are thrilled to have NOGO Brands as part of our network. Their dedication to promoting Australian Owned businesses and their commitment to providing healthy and delicious food options is truly inspiring. Congratulations once again to Meg and the NOGO team on this well-deserved award. We look forward to seeing NOGO’s continued success in the future! Read more at https://nogosauces.com.au/.

Small Cairns Sauce Maker Achieves Big Dreams: Queensland Flavours Soon to be Savoured Across America!

Small Cairns Sauce Maker Achieves Big Dreams

A small local business in Cairns, Queensland has achieved a major milestone that has put them on the map not only in Australia, but around the world.  Fenglehorn, an award-winning sauce maker that prides itself on using locally-sourced produce, has secured a major export deal with a major US retailer.

For a business that started at Rusty’s Market in Cairns just a few years ago, this is a remarkable achievement.  The company’s focus on quality and flavour has won them many awards in recent years, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards for their range of Aussie Sauces & BBQ Rubs.

What sets Fenglehorn apart from many other businesses is their unwavering commitment to using 99% Queensland grown produce.  This not only ensures that the products are fresh and delicious, but also supports local farmers and the economy.

The company’s Director, Mikey Hayman, said that exporting to the US market had always been a dream scenario for them since they started in 2017, but it seemed too difficult to break in.  However, with persistence and a little bit of luck, Fenglehorn was invited to exhibit at the Taste of Queensland export showcase, facilitated by Trade & Investment Queensland and held in Brisbane.  This led to negotiations with a major US retailer, and soon Fenglehorn sauces and BBQ rubs will be available in over 3,800 stores across America.

As an Australian Owned Certified business, Fenglehorn truly embodies the values of quality and excellence that our country is known for.  They are a testament to the fact that with hard work, passion, and a commitment to quality, any business can achieve great things.

Congratulations to Fenglehorn for their incredible achievement, and for showcasing the amazing flavours of Queensland to the US consumer market!

Submit Your Nomination

Welcome to the Australian Owned™ Business Awards 2023!

[Nominations are now closed]

We are delighted to announce that the nominations for the Australian Owned™ Business Awards 2023 are now open.  The Awards are a national event that celebrates excellence in Australian business operations.

We invite you to nominate your business for the following award categories:

  • Proudly Australian Award
  • Ambassador of the Year
  • Best Emerging Business
  • Australian Owned™ Business of the Year Award

Winners of each category will receive the following prestigious prizes:

  • Engraved Trophy Plaque featuring the business name and award category.
  • Exclusive Digital Badge showcasing the award title, year, and a unique AO ID number to be displayed on your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials.
  • Public Relations Campaign aimed at raising brand awareness and highlighting the success of your business, including media coverage, press releases, and featured articles.
  • Promotional Campaign showcasing the excellence of your business on Australian Owned’s premium digital and social media channels, featuring customised content and targeted advertising to reach a broader audience.

Furthermore, the winner of the ‘Australian Owned™ Business of the Year Award’ will receive extensive promotion via the Australian Owned digital and social media assets.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your business excellence. Nominations close on 2 April 2023.

[Nominations are now closed]

Announcement: Launch of the 2023 Australian Owned™ Business Awards and Opening of Nominations

Announcement: Launch of the 2023 Australian Owned™ Business Awards and Opening of Nominations

Australian Owned is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2023 Australian Owned™ Business Awards.

This national event is a celebration of excellence in Australian operations and recognises outstanding achievements of Australian Owned Certified businesses.

The awards also aim to encourage and promote the importance of sourcing Australian products, supporting local suppliers and engaging local service providers.

Nominations are now open for the following award categories:

  • Proudly Australian Award
  • Ambassador of the Year
  • Best Emerging Business
  • Australian Owned™ Business of the Year Award
Submit Your Nomination

These awards are designed to recognise and reward businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to Australian operations, source local supplies, and support Australian communities.

The winner in each award category will receive a range of exciting prizes, including:

  • Engraved Trophy Plaque with the business name and award category
  • Exclusive Digital Badge featuring the award title, year, and a unique AO ID number for display on the business’s website, social media profiles, and marketing materials
  • Public Relations Campaign to increase brand awareness and highlight the business’s success, including media coverage, press releases, and featured articles
  • Promotional Campaign utilising Australian Owned’s premium digital and social media channels, with personalised content and targeted advertising to reach a larger audience and showcase the business’s excellence.

The winner of the coveted ‘Australian Owned™ Business of the Year Award’ will be extensively promoted across the Australian Owned digital and social media assets, and set the benchmark for all Australian Owned certified businesses.

Nominations close on the 2nd of April 2023, and businesses are encouraged to apply for the award categories that best reflect their achievements and commitment to their Australian operations.

Award Category Descriptions

Proudly Australian Award

This award recognises businesses that have actively worked to increase their Australian influence in their overall business operations. This includes demonstrating a proactive approach in sourcing local ingredients and materials, using local support services, and manufacturing or producing in Australia. Nominees should have a clear strategy for increasing their Australian influence and have implemented initiatives that have resulted in a measurable increase in their use of Australian products and services.

Ambassador of the Year

This award celebrates businesses or individuals who proudly promote their Australian Owned certification and actively encourage other businesses to support certified businesses. Nominees should have a strong track record of promoting Australian Owned businesses and be recognised as an advocate for the Australian economy. They should have demonstrated leadership in promoting the benefits of Australian products and services and be able to provide examples of their efforts to increase awareness of Australian Owned businesses.

Best Emerging Business

This award recognises recently established businesses that have shown a commitment to supporting the Australian economy by engaging local support services, choosing local suppliers, and sourcing local ingredients/materials. Nominees should have a clear strategy for increasing their use of Australian products and services and have demonstrated a proactive approach to supporting the Australian economy.

Australian Owned™ Business of the Year Award

Australian Owned™ Business of the Year Award: This award recognises businesses that are advocates of the Australian Owned initiative and have a strong operational focus on Australian-produced and manufactured supplies and support services. Nominees should have a clear strategy for supporting the Australian economy and have implemented policies and principles to ensure a majority Australian influence in their operations. They should be able to demonstrate a measurable increase in their use of Australian products and services and have a proven track record of actively promoting Australian Owned businesses.

Australian Owned is excited to invite all Australian Owned Certified businesses to participate in the 2023 Australian Owned™ Business Awards. This is a chance to showcase your commitment to supporting Australian operations and celebrate your achievements. We look forward to receiving your nominations!
Submit Your Nomination

Make a difference, buy from an Aussie business

When it comes to making a purchase, it’s important to stop and think about the impact of your decision. Every time you buy from an Australian business, you’re investing in the future of our country. These businesses are the backbone of our economy and play a vital role in creating jobs and fostering a more sustainable future.

When you choose to buy from an Aussie business, you’re supporting the local community and economy. These businesses are run by your neighbours and friends, and the money you spend with them stays in the local area. This creates jobs, increases economic activity, and helps to build a stronger community.

In addition, buying from local businesses also helps to create a more sustainable economy. By supporting the goods produced and services offered locally, we’re reducing the need for transportation and the associated carbon emissions. This helps to decrease our impact on the environment and protect the planet for future generations.

Furthermore, when you buy from an Aussie business, you’re also investing in the quality and purity of the products you’re purchasing. These businesses are proud of Australia and our food and value the quality and purity of their products. This ensures that you’re getting the best quality and purest food in the world.

So next time you’re looking to make a purchase, stop and think. Will your next purchase support Australia? 

By choosing to buy from an Aussie business, you’re investing in the future of our country, supporting the local community and economy, fostering a more sustainable future, and ensuring the best quality and purest products. 

Make a difference, buy from an Aussie business.

Navigating the Great Australian Potato Shortage and Supporting Local Businesses

Navigating the Great Australian Potato Shortage and Supporting Local Businesses

Australia is currently experiencing a potato shortage due to heavy rainfall and major flooding that has devastated the country’s potato production.

The poor weather conditions have significantly impacted the potato harvest, particularly in the eastern states, leading to a shortage of potatoes and an increase in the price of potato-based products. Supermarket chains like Coles have had to introduce purchasing limits on frozen potatoes and potato-based snacks.

This shortage has also affected restaurants and other commercial businesses, forcing some to close their doors or find alternative options. The situation is expected to improve in the coming months, but the industry is currently facing challenges to meet the demand.

The current potato shortage in Australia is a reminder of the importance of supporting Australian Owned businesses. The potato industry and related businesses, like restaurants and retail outlets, are an integral part of the Australian economy and provide employment and income for many people. By choosing to buy and consume products from Australian Owned businesses, we can support our local economy and help to keep jobs and revenue within the country.

Additionally, Australian Owned businesses are more likely to prioritise supply to the Australian market first, ensuring that the needs of the local population are met before exporting abroad. The challenges faced by the potato industry and related businesses during this time is a great opportunity for us to show our support and appreciation for the hardworking individuals and companies that make up these businesses, who are playing a vital role in feeding the nation.

It is important to remember that by choosing to buy local products and support local businesses, we are helping to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of our economy and secure access to the goods we need.

GO TO BAT for Australian Owned

Go to Bat for Australian Owned with Glenn McGrath and help us make a real difference!

Australian owned businesses called for the help of eleven key decision makers, who had all publicly expressed their endorsement for supporting Australian businesses, to go to bat in the ‘Unfairest Cricket Match’ that’s ever been played. But with eleven no shows, it was everyday Aussies that had to step up.

With these influential figures noticeably absent, Glenn McGrath, Captain of the ‘Australian Owned’ team, had to enlist the help of everyday Aussies at Kensington Oval, NSW yesterday to build the ‘Australian Owned’ team to face off against the ‘The Rest of the World’ team.

McGrath said: “It was disappointing to see that Australia’s leaders couldn’t go to bat for the ‘Australian Owned’ team today. Luckily, we were able to draft some supportive and enthusiastic Aussies to don their cricket whites and help us have a fair go.”

The ‘Unfairest Cricket Match’ saw the ‘Australian Owned’ team face disadvantages similar in scale to the ones they face in supermarkets, unfair decisions like poor shelf position and distribution were brought to life with tiny cricket bats, six-foot-tall stumps and an unfair umpire that had no problem looking the other way.

McGrath continued: “Without a doubt this is the unfairest cricket match that I’ve ever played. It was clear as soon as the match began that no matter how good a cricketer you are, if you’re facing disadvantages like these then you’re going to lose. Experiencing this on the pitch brought to life the struggles that Australian owned businesses are facing in the supermarkets, and I hope that the game today will help level the playing field for them off the pitch.”

After a gruelling and unfair match, the ‘Rest of the World’ team beat the ‘Australian Owned’ team by a total of nine wickets. The result was echoed with disappointment from spectators who were outraged that the ‘win’ was achieved using unjust disadvantages against the Aussie Owned team.

Mark Caine, Director of Sales and Marketing for Massel stated “As an Australian owned business, we understand and can relate to the struggle that the Aussie Owned team faced today. Watching them play against the Rest of the World team with smaller bats, huge stumps and the unfair umpire was similar to experiences we face in supermarkets against our foreign owned competitors.”

Australian Owned and its members are calling for Aussies to help level the playing field off the cricket pitch, as current estimations have revealed that only 15 percent of supermarket trolleys contain Aussie owned products.

Australians across the nation are invited to sign a petition to give Australian owned businesses a fair go in our supermarkets. This petition stipulates that food and grocery retailers must provide preferential shelf space allocation highlighting Australian owned brands in each product category.

General Manager of Australian Owned, Kristy Ponting, says: “It was brilliant to see Australians go to bat for Australian Owned when our policy makers couldn’t. We hope that today has shone a light on the disadvantages facing so many Australian owned brands and that Australians will continue to stand behind us in order to make a change that will give Aussie owned brands a fair go at getting great value, quality products onto Australian supermarket shelves and help our economy in the long term.”

Australian Owned Cricket Team, Kensington Oval

Morgan Engineering: Australian Owned Business of the Year

Morgan Engineering – Australian Owned Business of the Year 2022

Australian Owned are proud to announce Morgan Engineering as 2022 Business of the Year. A first of its kind, the Australian Owned Business Awards recognises businesses that have demonstrated excellence and commitment to Australian operations.

The awards seek out the leading lights of the Australian business industry, looking for those whose creativity, commitment, experience and strong leadership in Australian operations have helped them achieve success in an increasingly challenging business climate. 

We received an overwhelming number of nominations for the Business of the Year Award, judged across four different categories including operations, marketing, innovation and commitment and communication.  

Morgan Engineering is at the forefront of global engineering innovation, while maintaining a strong local, Australian-owned focus. They believe that being Australian Owned is an integral part of the company’s day-to-day operations and this is reflected through their products, services, and overall business operation. 

Australian Owned General Manager, Kristy Ponting, said this was an incredible result for the first year of holding these awards.

“Leading a business to success can be a tough challenge in the best of times.  COVID-19 made a significant impact on businesses’ operational environments with many struggling to survive,” said Ms Ponting.

“The Australian Owned Business Awards were introduced to acknowledge and reward the exceptional results, dedication, expertise and sheer hard work of our Australian Owned Certified businesses and Morgan Engineering have exceeded all expectations.” 

Founded in 1975 in Singleton, Morgan Engineering has grown from a small engineering shop, supplying to local family-owned businesses, to one of the most extensive engineering suppliers in the Hunter Valley. Over 50% of Morgan Engineering’s supplier spend is through Australian family-owned businesses.

“Choosing Australian first is close to our heart in every aspect of our business operation,” said Morgan Engineering General Manager, Jeremy Brett.

“By partnering with local suppliers, we can guarantee that our customers receive that extra stamp of approval, knowing that every product and service is in line with Australian guidelines.”

Being Australian Owned is an unwritten policy for Morgan Engineering.  It is engraved into their values and how they operate. 

“Employing local talent and tradespeople into our business, we are supporting the local community by providing job opportunities – which is extremely important to our team.  We are so proud to have won this award,” concluded Mr Brett.  

You can learn more about Morgan Engineering here.

Australian Owned has a mission to support the Australian business community and give businesses the tools to grow and contribute to the long-term prosperity of this country.

Be part of Australia’s growth, support Australian Owned Certified business. You can search our Australian business register online at www.ausowned.com.au.

Australian Owned Business Awards 2022

Winners Announcement 2022

Australian Owned are proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Annual Business Awards.  A first of its kind, the Australian Owned Business Awards recognises businesses that have demonstrated excellence and commitment to Australian operations.  

The Australian Owned Business Awards were introduced to acknowledge and reward the exceptional work and results gained by the trailblazers of Australian industries.

The awards seek out the leading lights of the Australian business industry, looking for those whose creativity, commitment, experience and strong leadership in Australian operations have helped them achieve success in an increasingly challenging business climate. 

Whilst COVID lockdowns highlighted the gaping holes in worldwide distribution and supply chains, it also brought out the incredible ingenuity and fighting spirit of Australian business.

An overwhelming number of nominations were received and each award nomination was judged with points awarded in categories including operations, marketing, innovation and communication.

The winners of the inaugural Australian Owned Business Awards are:

Australian Owned General Manager, Kristy Ponting said she was impressed by the high calibre of the nominations received.

“Leading a business to success can be a tough challenge in the best of times. COVID-19 made a significant impact on businesses’ operational environments with many struggling to survive,” said Ms Ponting.

“These awards are about showcasing the dedication, expertise and sheer hard work of our Australian Owned Certified businesses and the award recipients speak for themselves.”

Australian Owned has a mission to support the Australian business community and give businesses the tools to grow and contribute to the long-term prosperity of this country.

Be part of Australia’s growth, support Australian Owned Certified business. You can search our Australian business register online at www.ausowned.com.au.

Validity-of-Awards-WinnersDownload

Australian Owned, proud supporter of APOD

Australian Owned, proud supporter of APOD

Recognising & Supporting Australian Veterans

A new partnership with Australian Owned (“AO”) and Australia’s official veteran benefits program, Australian Partners of Defence (“APOD”) will offer AO certified businesses an opportunity to be exposed to their growing membership base of over 110,000 registered veterans.

APOD was established in 2012, to provide recognition and support to those who have served, and their families.  The discount platform makes it easier for veterans to find and securely access meaningful benefits from businesses that recognise their service in a variety of different ways.

Founder Rebecca Waller established APOD with the belief that Veterans are loyal and support those who support them, but it can be a challenge for businesses to know how to reach them.  

Identifying a gap in the market, Rebecca created APOD to bridge the gap between businesses and the military community, by providing a platform so that defence and veteran families know where to look to easily find and securely access exclusive offers that are just for them.

How does APOD work?  Business offers are listed on APOD’s closed member website and can only be viewed and redeemed by registered APOD members. Online offers can be redeemed using a unique link and/or a promotional code. For in-store offers, APOD members are required to show either a physical or digital APOD card at point of sale.

“We are delighted to partner with APOD to support their mission in recognising those who are currently or have formerly served our country and their families,” said Australian Owned General Manager Kristy Ponting.  

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our certified business network to support veteran families and gain access to APOD’s closed and rapidly growing network of defence veteran members.”

There are a wide range of businesses already participating, from retailers with hundreds of outlets Australia-wide through to veteran-owned and operated small businesses.

“We encourage all Australian Owned Certified businesses to get on board,” concluded Ms Ponting.  

Business:  Click here to become an APOD business partner for free.  

“If you are a current or former defence member, reservist, veteran, allied military personnel or an immediate family member, we encourage you to join APOD, which was created exclusively for you. DVA Veteran Card holders get free automatic access to the APOD program which provides more than 3,000 offers, at over 24,000 locations Australia wide” said APOD CEO Paul Broadbridge

Defence Member/Veteran:  To become an APOD member, join here.

For more information contact [email protected].