Apple and Pear Australia Ltd has awarded the successful recipients of the 2025 APAL Awards for Excellence in Shepparton, including one local winner.
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 Awards, 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.
Travis Georgopoulos, from Shepparton, won the Industry Rising Star award for his work with GV Independent Packers Pty Ltd.
He started work on his family farm at the age of 18, developing a passion and commitment to working to improve fruit quality at a young age, and is today responsible for 560 hectares of mostly apples and pears.
His commitment to fruit quality drives him to continually improve in the orchards, working with industry agronomists and consultants to evolve his agronomic knowledge, which has become his greatest asset, especially in areas such as integrated pest and disease management and organic production.
| Award | Recipient | Business/ organisation | State |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Scott Price | Fruit Growers Tasmania; R&R Smith (retired) | Tasmania |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Paul James | Lenswood Cooperative (retired) | South Australia |
| Grower of the Year | Brett Squibb | RW Squibb & Sons Pty Ltd | Tasmania |
| Industry Rising Star | Travis Georgopoulos | GV Independent Packers Pty Ltd | Victoria |
| Women in Horticulture Award | Nicole Giblett | Newton Orchards | Western Australia |
| Research & Extension Provider of the Year | Hannah James | AgroFresh | Victoria |
| Agritourism Award | Sam Licciardello | Orchard 1 Sixty | Western Australia |
| Marketer of the Year | Shane Priest | Priest Bros Orchards Pty Ltd | Victoria |
“Each year, the APAL Awards for Excellence highlight the depth of talent, commitment and passion across our industry,” Apple & Pear Australia Ltd chief executive Phil Turnbull said.
“This year’s recipients are a great demonstration of what makes our industry so strong, from emerging leaders to lifelong contributors.
“To all of this year’s recipients, congratulations on your work, driving the future of the Australian apple and pear industry.”
The recipients were announced in early June 2025, however the presentation evening happened on Monday, August 4 at Belcibo & Co in Shepparton.
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.
Award recipients were presented with a trophy and could select either a $1000 travel voucher or a $1500 contribution towards professional learning and development.