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FBA (SA) Media Release: February 2010
Australia Day honours 2010
2010 FAMILY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
CONGRATULATIONS to our Family Business Hall of Fame inductees who were recognised in the Australia Day honours. Maggie Beer of Maggie Beer Products was named Senior Australian of the Year. Roger Drake of Drake Foodmarkets was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Maggie, of course, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the food industry and our food culture, while Roger was recognised for service to the grocery industry in South Australia and to the community through his support for charities.
In 1965, Roger Drake commenced his supermarket retailing career with the Coles Myer Group. In 1974, Roger established his own business by purchasing his first store in Mitcham, South Australia – a three-lane supermarket called Jack & Jill’s with 4 employees. After three successful years, Roger opened a larger supermarket at Torrensville, in the western suburbs of Adelaide. The company has grown opportunistically since then and now owns 46 stores throughout South Australia and Queensland, with a turnover of approx $660m and 5000 employees nationally.
Drake Supermarkets is the largest independent grocery retailer in Australia and specialises in supermarket retailing. In addition, the company operates a liquor store, several newsagencies and a consulting service. The company also has a significant property portfolio.
The company’s strength lies in operating on the principles of a family business and supporting local manufacturers and suppliers. Roger prides himself on knowing as many of his staff as he can by name. He spends time every day out in his supermarkets, talking to staff and customers alike, and always endeavouring to improve the level of service the company provides.
As a first generation family business, Drake Supermarkets has achieved great success as a ‘David facing two Goliaths’.
This Australia Day, Maggie Beer was named Senior Australian of the Year 2010. The award was presented to Maggie by Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, at a special ceremony in Canberra on January 25th. It recognises people who continue to achieve and contribute to life after 60.
Maggie is famous for her focus on cooking with seasonal produce, and helping to educate Australians to make informed food choices.
“For so many people, because of the change in our lives where both partners work, there's not been that handing down of cooking skills. And it's something that really is necessary for absolutely everyone," Maggie said.
As Australia’s diva of culinary arts, Maggie’s vivacious personality and boundless enthusiasm for food has shown us that her passion for good food can be entertaining, informative and contagious.