Former Haigh’s boss tastes sweet success
The fourth-generation owner of a South Australian Hall of Fame business has been honoured as a leader in the food and beverage space. While a well-known sausage company wins a top accolade.
Former Haigh’s Chocolates boss Alister Haigh was awarded the Leader Award at the 2025 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards last Friday in recognition of his impact on the local sector.
Haigh, who retired as CEO earlier this year after three decades at the helm of the chocolate business, said he was “honoured to receive this award and recognition as I step away from being CEO and acknowledge the other outstanding nominees who are driving forces in the food and beverage industry”.
The South Australian company also won the Education and Training Award. Other winners on the night included Almondco Australia, which won the Business Excellence Award, the Sustainability Award and Export Award categories.
Dry Creek sausage maker Slape and Sons inducted into the Hall of Fame, Beerenberg and feather&PECK were crowned Consumer Choice Award winners, and It’s Olio – founded by 2025 40 Under 40 alumnus Alex Randall – received the Emerging Business Award.
Haigh’s Chocolates was listed in the Food and Beverage Industry Hall of Fame in 2012.
For Haigh, the award followed a year of expansive growth, including the opening of a $120 million chocolate factory at Salisbury South.
The facility increased Haigh’s production capacity from 1100 tonnes to 2000 tonnes of chocolate per year, to fulfil its 22 retail and online stores.
The former boss said the company also celebrated its 110-year anniversary and appointed a new CEO, Peter Millard. He was the first non-family CEO in the company’s history.
“It’s been an exciting time for the business, and I am so proud to see the love for our chocolates continue to span all generations,” Haigh said.
“Reflecting on my time, it’s incredible to think how far we have come over the years all while remaining true to the heritage and quality Haigh’s is known for.
Stay informed, daily
“I look forward to watching our team continue to drive our business forward.”
New CEO Millard said he was “extremely proud of Alister for this incredible achievement”.
“We are inspired by Alister’s ongoing dedication and leadership and continue to strive for new heights of excellence in our innovation, growth and customer experience.”
