Emerging leaders, inspiring innovators and industry advocate honoured at the 2025 Citrus Australia Awards

Citrus Australia celebrated the achievements of some of the industry’s most dedicated and visionary individuals and recognised leaders of the future at the 2025 Citrus Australia Awards, at the Australian Citrus Congress dinner last week.

Hosted at the picturesque Piccolo Family Farm just outside Griffith, New South Wales, on Wednesday, March 19, industry leaders gathered to recognise excellence across three key award categories.

Citrus Australia chair Richard Byllaardt took delight in presenting the awards.

“It was a fantastic evening and one we won’t forget quickly,” Mr Byllaardt said.

“This year’s recipients were selected from a strong field of nominations from across the country, representing the very best in leadership, innovation, and long-standing service to the citrus industry.”

 

Pictured above: Tania Chapman and Helen Aggeletos

 

2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS:

• Value Chain Innovator – Helen Aggeletos, Venus Citrus (SA)

• Service to Industry – Tania Chapman, Costa (VIC)

• Emerging Leader Award – Tristan Smith, Fresh Produce Group (VIC)

• Emerging Leader Award – Jason Pandolfo, Mario’s Packhouse (NSW)

 

Pictured above: Citrus Australia chair Richard Byllaardt with award winner Jason Pandolfo

 

Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said the awards are a valuable opportunity to highlight individuals whose efforts shape the industry’s success.

“As with past years’ winners, these recipients represent the passion, innovation, and leadership that drive our sector forward,” Mr Hancock said.

“Often we work with them, we share a vision and common goals, so it is an honour to recognise them and acknowledge their contributions across all areas of the supply chain.”

 

Pictured above: Tristan Smith with Citrus Australia chair Richard Byllaardt

 

AWARD WINNERS INFORMATION:

Value Chain Innovator – Helen Aggeletos, Venus Citrus

Helen Aggeletos, Managing Director of Venus Citrus in Loxton, SA, was honoured for her transformative leadership and marketing innovation. Since taking the reins of her family’s business in 1989, Helen has championed sustainability and brand differentiation, launching the pioneering Venus Eco Brand and the bold Kissed by Nature range — redefining class 2 fruit in local and global markets. Her contributions extend beyond business through her work on key industry committees and her instrumental role in establishing Riversun in 1992. “Helen’s commitment to excellence and innovation inspires not just her team but the entire citrus community,” her nominator said.

Service to Industry – Tania Chapman, Costa

A pioneer in Australian horticulture, Tania Chapman was recognised for decades of service and advocacy. An inaugural board member and former Chair of Citrus Australia, she has held senior leadership roles, operated her own citrus farm, and championed women in agriculture as a Nuffield Scholar and Victorian Rural Woman of the Year alumna. Tania’s influence has spanned grassroots engagement and national policy, with a deep belief in the role of farmers as national heroes. “It’s not what we are born into – but our belief in ourselves that defines who we are,” Tania says, summarising the personal philosophy that has guided her remarkable career.

Emerging Leader Award – Tristan Smith, Fresh Produce Group

A forward-thinking Horticultural Technologist, Tristan Smith was recognised for applying analytical thinking and global insights to citrus and table grape production. His academic background in civil engineering underpins his systems-based approach to innovation, including advances in planting systems and active industry engagement. “Tristan’s energy and curiosity are shaping the future of horticulture,” his nominator said. Tristan has shown leadership in local fruit fly action groups, as well as participating in a huanglongbing and citrus psyllid study tour, which saw him give public presentations and write articles on his observations as a young grower. He is a member of the Murray Valley Regional Advisory Committee and a future leader of the industry.

Emerging Leader Award – Jason Pandolfo, Mario’s Packhouse

Marketing Manager Jason Pandolfo brings a dynamic blend of family tradition and modern innovation to his role in the family business, Mario’s Packhouse in Griffith, NSW. With qualifications in engineering and building design, Jason has helped secure new markets and elevate operational standards at Mario’s Packhouse, while also supporting growers through on-farm engagement.
Jason is a committed community leader, having played a key role in delivering a recent Regional Forum that brought over 70 members together. He is an enthusiastic member of the Riverina Regional Advisory Committee and is passionate about the future of citrus in the Riverina. “Jason is a true example of what progressive leadership looks like in the next generation,” his nomination stated.

 

For further information or for an interview with Nathan Hancock, CEO, Citrus Australia please contact:

Sarah C Porter

Mobile: +61 (0) 438 358 787 (Sarah)

Email: sarah.porter@citrusaustralia.com.au