Sweet new partnership
Law firm’s quick growth
Accounting business makes acquisition
Adelaide to host national convention
JBI’s international agreement
Cellar door rebuilt
Business and Export Awards
Yoghurt Shop reaches new market
Wine bursary recipients
InSync – Business events and happenings
RAA profit in FY25
Business expansion leader lands in Adelaide
International takeover complete
World first wipes
Airspeeder partnership news
International student employer of the year
G’day Group lands in Rundle Mall
Allied health company recognised

South Australian food brands join in sweet partnership

Emmaline’s and Beerenberg are launching a new partnership, preparing to release a limited-edition raspberry jam tart.

Emmaline’s was acquired by Cultivate Food and Beverages’ brands, which is backed by Bedford Social Enterprises, earlier this year, with Bedford Social Enterprises COO Sam Hunter saying the new partnership represented “an exciting first for Cultivate”.

“We continue to seek new opportunities to expand the Emmaline’s range nationally and invest in product development,” Hunter said.

Beerenberg executive director for brand and tourism Sally Paech said the brand was “thrilled to collaborate” with Emmaline’s.

– Isabella Kelly 

Adelaide law firm continues top growth

Piper Alderman has been recognised as one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country for the fourth year in a row by Australasian Lawyer, which looks at financial performance and workforce statistics in the assessment.

Managing partner of Piper Alderman Tony Britten-Jones said the firm’s “growth trajectory remains strong”.

“We plan further growth in the coming years, but we are taking a measured approach. We want to maintain an environment where ambitious people flourish, but our priority is to cultivate a positive culture within the firm, so we will expand our team only when we find the right people who align with our values.”

– Isabella Kelly 

Perks CEO James Black, Aaron Read, Kim Bigg, Sam Wagner and Tom Paine. Photo: supplied

Perks grows with local acquisition

Accounting and financial services firm Perks has acquired local accounting and business services company GPK Holdich, with the team integrated into Perks.

James Black, Perks CEO, said the move was “an exciting step in Perks’ growth, expanding our footprint in the South Australian market and broadening the expertise across our firm”.

Former director of GPK Holdich Aaron Read has joined Perks’ leadership team as a director of accounting and business services.

“Perks shares our commitment to providing exceptional client service and career opportunities, building lasting personal and professional relationships,” Read said.

– Isabella Kelly 

2025 Australian Regional Tourism Convention to be held in Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills has been selected to host the 2025 Australian Regional Tourism Convention, regarded as the most significant annual event for regional tourism – giving industry experts a platform to discuss ideas and challenges, promote products and showcase best practice.

This is the third time the event has been held in the state and is expected to attract up to 200 delegates.

“The Australian Regional Tourism Convention will give us another valuable opportunity to showcase all that the Adelaide Hills offers,” Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said.

“Including agritourism, wellness and nature while encouraging delegates to extend their stay and enjoy wider South Australia.”

– Joshua Owen-Thomas

JBI signs international agreement to expand operations

The University of Adelaide’s Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) has entered a Research Translation Agreement with Wolters Kluwer, a clinical technology and solutions provider that operates in more than 40 countries.

Adding onto a decade-long collaboration, the agreement supports significant expansion by JBI’s research operations, with more than 50 researchers and staff in Adelaide funded.

JBI executive director Zoe Jordan said the agreement would “significantly expand the reach and visibility of our research”.

“It will enable us to leverage emerging technologies to innovate our delivery mechanisms, helping us reach an unprecedented number of healthcare professionals.”

– Isabella Kelly 

Vinteloper’s new cellar door was built after the old farmhouse was destroyed in the 2019 Adelaide Hills bushfires. Photo: Supplied.

Vinteloper unveils rebuilt cellar door

Adelaide Hills winery Vinteloper has transformed its farmhouse and cellar door which was destroyed in the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfire, opening its new tasting room which reimagines the ruins of the 1920 farmhouse into a modern space.

Vinteloper founder David Bowley said the winemaker was “determined to make something amazing out of something awful”.

The cellar door was designed by Detail Studio alongside Melbourne-based Studio Beal. Builder Mount Projects was engaged to deliver the vision of blending modern design while respecting the history of the site.

Charred beams have been retained as “totem poles” at the entrance, while the tasting room’s exterior features the original red bricks that withstood the bushfire.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said: “The reopening of this stunning Adelaide Hills winery is a remarkable milestone for the Vinteloper team, region, and our state’s tourism industry”.

– David Simmons

SA Premier’s Business and Export Awards winners announced

The winners of the SA Premier’s Business and Export Awards have been announced, with 26 businesses acknowledged, with defence and space provider QuantX Labs winning the SA Business of the Year award, and open-source intelligence company Fivecast the SA Exporter of the Year award.

The event was hosted by the South Australian Business Chamber in collaboration with the government and was attended by more than 600 state business leaders.

“The quality of submissions was incredibly strong once again,” said Andrew Kay, CEO of the South Australian Business Chamber.

“Choosing a winning business from the finalists was challenging across all categories, highlighting the growing number of innovative and high-achieving businesses that call South Australia home.”

– Joshua Owen-Thomas

Yoghurt Shop COO Brandon Reynolds in Saudi Arabia. Photo: LinkedIn

South Australian yoghurt hits shelves in Saudi Arabia

SA-based yoghurt business The Yoghurt Shop has recently launched its products in Saudi Arabia, partnering with Tamimi Markets, with the brand’s products now available across the country.

Chief Operating Officer of The Yoghurt Shop Brandon Reynolds said it was “the furthest place we’ve been able to get them, Saudi Arabia,” on LinkedIn.

The Yoghurt Shop started as a stall in the Adelaide Central Market in 2003 and now supplies its products to over 2,000 retailers in 5 countries.

– Joshua Owen-Thomas

Wine bursary winners announced

Ten representatives of the South Australian wine industry have been chosen to travel to Great Wine Capitals of the World in the 2024/25 Outbound Knowledge Exchange Bursary Program, a partnership with Great Wine Capitals, PIRSA, Wine Australia, and the wine Grape Council of SA.

The $6000 bursaries were awarded to Anna Baum (Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association), Brendan Carter (Unico Zelo), Cristobal Onetto and Eleanor Bilogrevic (Australian Wine Research Institute), Fil Farina (Elders), Kate Laurie (Deviation Road), Michael Van Der Sommen (Torbreck Vintners), Natalia Caliani (University of Adelaide), Sid Pachare (Raga Wine) and Siubhan Wilcox (Accolade Wines).

Wine Grape Council of South Australia CEO Lisa Bennier said “the real value comes when they return and share their knowledge, benefiting the entire South Australian wine community”.

– Isabella Kelly 

The Correspondent and the Global War on Truth, Peter Greste in conversation with several involved in AFF’s opening film The Correspondent, including director Kriv Stenders, at the Capri Theatre on October 24.

Australia’s Space Future Conference, a French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry event with REDARC Defence & Space and Neumann Space, at REDARC Electronics on October 29.

Trump vs Harris, an AmCham panel event on predictions for the US election, with Christopher Pyne, Adelaide Football Club chairman John Olsen and more, at the Playford Hotel on October 31.

Newday Leadership Summit, a conference with a variety of speakers and other activities with AFL Max, at AFL Max on October 31.

Best of Human Insights, a conference from The Research Society with expert insights on the future of research, including health outcomes, AI, and advertising effectiveness, at the Adelaide Zoo on November 6.

Design Futures, a forum event with local, interstate, and international architects sharing their experiences, with Dan Hill of Melbourne School of Design and Deputy Premier Susan Close, at Adelaide Town Hall on November 6.

Wake up to Change, an Adelaide White Ribbon event with criminologist and former senior police officer Vincent Hurley on the prevention of violence against women and children, at the Adelaide Convention Centre on November 7.

Demystifying Australia’s defence industry and defence careers, a French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Women Series event, with a panel of defence professionals, at Eos by SkyCity on November 7.

Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards, a gala dinner by Food South Australia celebrating the food and beverage manufacturing industry, at the Adelaide Convention Centre on November 22.

RAA posts $2m profit

The RAA recorded a $2 million profit in FY24, with the CEO and chairman acknowledging the company “bounced back strongly” after recording a $52 million loss the year prior.

Income also grew to $678.7 million following “two challenging years of extreme weather and record payouts to members”.

“We proudly achieved all our strategic goals for the year. We exceeded our revenue goal and delivered a profit well in excess of our expectations,” said CEO Nick Reade and chairman Kathy Gramp in a joint statement.

“We also maintained our status as the #1 brand in SA and grew our membership base by 18,000 people with over 823,000 South Australians now realising the benefits of being an RAA member.”

It comes ahead of the launch of RAA Energy later this year: “This is just the beginning – we think it’s time our members got a fairer deal on electricity”, said the CEO and chair.

RAA placed 21^st in the 2024 South Australian Business Index.

– David Simmons

International business expansion leader comes to Adelaide

International business expansion and market entry strategist Bridgehead has opened its new Adelaide office in a strategic development to provide access to the European and North American regions.

Managing director Paul McIntosh said Adelaide’s “burgeoning sectors, including technology, defence, Enterprise Tech/SaaS and manufacturing, present tremendous potential for our clients”.

“This new office will enhance our ability to offer tailored market entry and expansion solutions, ensuring Australian-based businesses have access to local expertise to help navigate the complexities of international growth with confidence.”

– Isabella Kelly 

Rex Minerals takeover complete

The takeover of Rex Minerals by Mach Metals Australia has received approval from the Federal Court of Australia, with the scheme becoming legally effective on October 16.

Directors of Rex Minerals, the developer of an open-cut mine on the Yorke Peninsula, unanimously recommended in July that its shareholders accept a takeover offer from MACH Metals Australia, which valued the firm at $393 million.

– Isabella Kelly 

An Adelaide wipe maker has launched a new product in what it calls a world first. Photo: InDaily

Another world first for Adelaide wipes maker

Great Aussie Wipes has introduced new wipes with naturally-fermented, food-grade vinegar that founder Phil Scardigno said targets the eco-conscious home cleaning market and the hospitality industry.

The vinegar has an acetic acid level of 9.95 per cent; the maximum allowable level for food-grade products. Scardigno said one other brand in the USA makes vinegar wipes but uses vinegar derived from synthetic acetic acid.

“The new product gives us the first product of its kind that can be used around food areas,” Scardigno said of the biodegradable wipes, which are made at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Adelaide’s north.

“People are buying cleaning vinegar, wiping onto cloths that have got microplastics, and then they’re actually leaving microplastics on the surface.

“What we’ve developed is the best of both worlds: you’re using naturally fermented vinegar in a biodegradable, plant-based fabric. You can put our product in a green bin, compost or general waste and it’ll break down in landfill.”

– David Simmons

New design in Airspeeder partnership

Airspeeder, creator of the first racing series for electric flying cars founded by 40 Under 40 alumni Matthew Pearson, has teamed up with architecture firm HOK to design the first module race vertiport – infrastructure used for vertical take-off and landing of eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing).

The project will see retractable landing pads and mid-race pit stops enabled, with a hub directly beneath the airborne racetrack – Skydeck – giving a 360-degree viewing experience.

“It is incredibly exciting to design a brand new sports typology. Airspeeder challenged us to draw on our decades of expertise designing for F1 and other sporting events while also imagining a physical environment for the future,” director of sports and entertainment at HOK John Rhodes said.

– Isabella Kelly

International student employer of the year recognised

UnitingSA’s Child, Youth & Family Services was awarded South Australia’s International Student Employer of the Year by StudyAdelaide at the 2024 International Student Awards, having been nominated by international graduate and now social worker, Wing Hei (Christy) Sin from Hong Kong.

“From the start, my supervisors provided clear guidance and assisted me in understanding the local workplace culture, including Aboriginal cultural awareness training,” Sin said.

At the same ceremony, Richard Kennedy, a legally blind lawyer from Indonesia who is studying a Master of Disability Practice and Leadership, won two categories: Academic Excellence – Postgraduate Coursework, and Peer Support.

“My dream is to become an international disability rights lawyer and scholar. The dominant groups in legal profession are able-bodied and there’s still a strong stigma towards people with disabilities,” Kennedy said.

– Isabella Kelly 

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison attended G’Day Group’s new. office opening. Photo: supplied

G’day Group opens new office in Rundle Mall

The G’Day Group – Australia’s largest regional tourism business – has officially opened its new Adelaide support office in Rundle Mall, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by founder and CEO Grant Wilckens and Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison.

Located in the Rundle Mall Plaza building, the office will be the home of more than 300 staff members who are part of a national network that supports 330 holiday parks and resorts across the country.

The G’day Group contributes more than $315 million to economic activity in the state.

– Joshua Owen-Thomas

Allied health company named one of Australia’s most innovative

South Australian allied health company ActivOT has been named on The Australian Financial Review’s BOSS Most Innovative Companies list, with over 60 franchises providing occupational therapy and allied health services to more than 10,000 people around Australia.

In 2012 founder Helen Whait introduced the franchise-based business model to healthcare in a world-first approach, to assist occupational therapists in transitioning from employees to business owners.

“My goal is to be the best provider of community-based OT services across Australia, not the biggest,” Whait said. “That requires ongoing innovation and a continued focus on our values and approach.”

– Joshua Owen-Thomas