Member for the Agricultural Region Colin de Grussa congratulates the Geraldton Fishermen’s Cooperative, who were winners at this week’s Australia-China Business Awards.
GFC took out the elite Business Excellence Award for Agriculture, Food and Beverage, amongst stiff competition from much bigger organisations.
Mr de Grussa said the GFC were very deserving winners of this award.
“The Agriculture, Food and Beverage award recognises companies who have performed with excellence, demonstrated commercial success and furthered Australia-China trade and investment within these industries,” Mr de Grussa said.
“Since being established by a small group of fishermen in the 1950s, GFC have grown into the internationally respected organisation they are today.”
GFC first started exporting internationally shortly after establishment and by 2015 GFC had exported Western Rock lobster products to China, Western Europe, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan and the United States.
Now in its 26th year, the Australia-China Business Awards recognises outstanding Australian, Hong Kong and Chinese companies operating in Greater China, and celebrates their successes, from small entrepreneurs to large publicly-listed companies.
Other finalists in the Business Excellence Award for Agriculture, Food and Beverage were Evolution Health, Hancock Prospecting, Treasury Wine Estates and Wines by Geoff Hardy.
Mr de Grussa said the win was a boost for the industry, after a difficult six months.
“The McGowan Government has continued to create uncertainty for the Western Rock lobster industry, and this win cements just how important international lobster exports are, and how much people love our WA product.”