Orbost’s Sailors Grave Brewery was a winner at the annual Gippsland Business Awards on Friday, August 31, taking out the Food and Wine Producers category.

The brewery is a great success story for an Orbost-based business that has identified and met the needs of a specific market segment.

Clear goals and marketing approach have delivered results with a business model that recognises the value of new boutique beers and leverages this to generate increased market penetration.

“We were actually really surprised to win, because we thought Gippsland Jersey would,” Sailors Grave Brewery’s Gab Moore said.

She said. along with successful events that pair their brews with the best of local produce, like their recent Deep Winter Festival, this award will “hopefully raise our profile locally”.

“Most of the stuff we sell goes further afield, so it’s great to get this local recognition,” she said.

“We want more of a local footprint.”

Awards chairman, Graeme Sennett, told the 400 people at the gala event the quality of entries this year was outstanding, creating a “good problem” for judges and demonstrating the quality and depth of business in the region.

“The quality of entries, the finalists and the eventual winners show that the regional business sector is not only healthy but innovative and successful,” Mr Sennett said.

Each finalist is assessed and independently rated by five different judges across 10 judging criteria, and as appropriate, receiving site visits or judges undertaking mystery shopper visits.

PICTURED: East Gippsland Shire mayor, Cr Joe Rettino, congratulates Sailors Grave Brewery’s Gab and Chris Moore on their win in the Food and Wine Producers category at the annual Gippsland Business Awards last Friday.