Growers and industry professionals from across Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia recognised for outstanding contributions
Apple and Pear Australia (Apal) has announced the successful recipients of the 2025 APAL Awards for Excellence, recognising outstanding leadership, innovation and service across the Australian apple and pear industry.
This year, eight individuals have been recognised across six award categories for their exceptional contributions to the growth and success of the sector.
The award categories include the Lifetime Achievement Award (two recipients), Grower of the Year, Industry Rising Star, Women in Horticulture Award, Marketer of the Year, Research and Extension Provider of the Year, and the Agritourism Award.
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Scott Price, Fruit Growers Tasmania; R&R Smith (retired)
- Paul James, Lenswood Cooperative (retired)
Grower of the Year
- Brett Squibb, RW Squibb & Sons
Industry Rising Star
- Travis Georgopoulos, GV Independent Packers
Women in Horticulture Award
- Nicole Giblett, Newton Orchards
Research & Extension Provider of the Year
- Hannah James, AgroFresh
Agritourism Award
- Sam Licciardello, Orchard 1 Sixty
Marketer of the Year
- Shane Priest, Priest Bros Orchards
“Each year, the Apal Awards for Excellence highlight the depth of talent, commitment and passion across our industry,” said Phil Turnbull, CEO of Apal.
“This year’s recipients are a great demonstration of what makes our industry so strong, from emerging leaders to lifelong contributors.
“It’s particularly special to honour two recipients with Lifetime Achievement Awards this year: Scott Price from Tasmania and Paul James from South Australia, whose vision and legacy have helped shape their local growing regions and the broader industry we see today.
“To Brett Squibb, our Grower of the Year, and to all of this year’s recipients, congratulations on your work, driving the future of the Australian apple and pear industry. We look forward to celebrating their achievements with colleagues, family and friends at the APAL Technical Symposium event in August,” continued Turnbull.
The Apal Awards for Excellence recognise the outstanding achievements of the industry’s most successful growers, researchers, innovators and businesses working across the pome fruit industry.
The successful recipients will be honoured at the 2025 Apal Awards for Excellence
celebration evening in Goulburn Valley on Monday 4 August, as part of the Apal Technical Symposium event week.
Each year, nominations for the APAL Awards for Excellence are sought from all apple and pear growing regions across Australia. The Nominations Committee, comprised of state association and industry representatives, reviews and assesses each submission. The Apal board then reviews the committee’s recommendations to determine the final award recipients.
