2025 APAL Awards for Excellence recipients
Growers and industry professionals from across Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia recognised for outstanding contributions.
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 seven 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.
2025 APAL Awards for Excellence recipients:
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Scott Price, Fruit Growers Tasmania; R&R Smith (retired) (TAS)
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Paul James, Lenswood Cooperative (retired) (SA)
- Grower of the Year Award – Brett Squibb, RW Squibb & Sons Pty Ltd (TAS)
- Industry Rising Star Award – Travis Georgopoulos, GV Independent Packers Pty Ltd (VIC)
- Women in Horticulture Award – Nicole Giblett, Newton Orchards (WA)
- Research and Development Provider of the Year – Dr Hannah James, AgroFresh (VIC)
- Agritourism Award – Sam Licciardello, Orchard 1 Sixty (WA)
- Marketer of the Year – Shane Priest, Priest Bros Orchards Pty Ltd (VIC)
“Each year, the APAL Awards for Excellence highlight the depth of talent, commitment and passion across our industry,” said Phil Turnbull, CEO of Apple & Pear Australia Ltd.
“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.
Lifetime Achievement Award, Scott Price, Fruit Growers Tasmania; R&R Smith (retired), TAS. Photo credit: Fred & Hannah.
Lifetime Achievement Award, Paul James, Lenswood Cooperative (retired), SA. Photo credit: Darren Clements Photography.
“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 Phil.
Grower of the Year, Brett Squibb, RW Squibb & Sons Pty Ltd, TAS. Photo credit: Jacqui Beven Photography.
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. Award recipients will be presented with a trophy and can select either a $1,000 travel voucher or a $1,500 contribution towards professional learning and development.
Industry Rising Star, Travis Georgopoulos, GV Independent Packers Pty Ltd, VIC. Photo credit: Abram Rasmussen, ARC Media.
Women in Horticulture Award, Nicole Giblett, Newton Orchards, WA. Photo credit: Victoria Baker Photography.
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.
Research & Extension Provider of the Year, Dr Hannah James, AgroFresh, VIC. Photo credit: Darren James Photography.
Agritourism Award, Sam Licciardello, Orchard 1 Sixty, WA. Photo credit: Victoria Baker Photography.
Marketer of the Year, Shane Priest, Priest Bros Orchards Pty Ltd, VIC. Photo credit: Darren James Photography.
