Australia’s largest abalone farm, Great Southern Waters (GSW), has won the Emerging Exporter Award at the 2009 Governor of Victoria Export Awards.

The prestigious awards, now in their 30th year, celebrate export businesses in Victoria.

The Emerging Exporter accolade acknowledges Great Southern Waters’ position as the nation’s largest environmentally sustainable abalone aquaculture facility. The privately-ownedfully integrated operation comprises a hatchery, nursery, grow-out and export facility. Grow-out consists of 400 tanks spanning a total of 20,000 square metres.

Great Southern Waters produces annually over 150 tonnes of abalone in a variety of forms, including premium live, frozen and canned, and delivers directly to worldwide markets.Product is shipped from farm to high-end restaurants and hotels in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and China within 24 hours; there is also a small local market for abalone in Australia.

Great Southern Waters’ flagship product is the high-grade Jade Tiger Abalone™, bred exclusively in collaboration with the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

Jade Tiger Abalone™ was developed to fulfil the expectations of export customers; it is a distinctive breed identifiable by its unique shell characteristics and the sweet, medium texture of the meat. Commercial production of Jade Tiger Abalone™began in 2006 and today it is recognised globally as a top-quality Australian delicacy, bred in a pure, sustainable environment.

The high demand for Jade Tiger Abalone™currently outstrips the rate of supply. The need for farm-bred abalone has increased in recent times due to the decline of wild harvesting.

Great Southern Waters has implemented Quality Assurance Systems of Prime Safe Victoria – Food Safety Plan, and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) – Approved Arrangement for documenting quality assurance systems and procedures for live export.

In 2007, Great Southern Waters received the internationally recognised certification of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) for its Food Safety Plan for the entire operational processes, audited by SGS Systems and Services certification. The Food Safety Plan undergoes regular independent testing of quality as well as traceability procedures for residue of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and environmental contaminants.

Professor David de Kretser, AC, Governor of Victoria; GSWCEO, Anton Krsinich

The Governor of Victoria Export Awards are supported by the State Government Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, committed to securing economic growth for Victoria. The win has placed Great Southern Waters as finalists in the 2009 Australian Export Awards, recognising achievement in sustainable export growth through innovation and commitment. The success of Great Southern Waters in 2009 has occurred during a time where there has been considerable challenge for exporters, including the economic downturn and fluctuations in the exchange rate.

The export awards are designed to raise awareness of the importance of international trade and encourage prospective exporters. Run in collaboration with Australia’s states and territories, each conducting their own awards program, all winners advance as finalists to the Australian Export Awards, which will be held on November 20.

GSW is based at the entrance to Victoria’s Port Philip Bay and employs 20+ people in addition to seasonal staff.

For more information about Jade Tiger Abalone™, visit www.jadetiger.com.au or contact Great Southern Waters on
phone +61 3 5257 2033.