Fourteen export success stories have been recognised for their achievements, innovation and leadership in international trade at the 43^rd Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEAs).

Minister for Trade Tim Pallas joined award patron and Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, in congratulating the winners who represent key industries including agribusiness, food and beverages, resources and energy, manufacturing and advanced materials, sustainability and professional services.

Specialist dental materials manufacturer SDI Limited – which produces Riva Star Aqua, a patented silver fluoride that stops tooth decay – won the international health award and was named Victorian Exporter of the Year.

With almost 90 per cent of all sales made overseas, the company’s products have helped advance minimal intervention dentistry around the world by enabling dentists to treat tooth cavities faster using less invasive means.

Rebecca Jefferd and Ava Chandler-Matthews, co-founders of skincare start-up Ultra Violette, received the Global Victoria Women’s Award for their company’s expansion into 20 countries, including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, 12 countries across Europe and five countries in South East Asia.

Launched in 2019, Ultra Violette’s products are a mix of skin care and sunscreen. All products are made in Australia using native ingredients such as Kakadu Plum.

Other award winners were Spee3D (manufacturing and advanced materials), Green Eco Technologies (small business), BroadSource (advanced technologies), The Natural Patch Company (emerging exporter), Envirofluid (regional), Swisse Wellness (e-commerce), Acclime (professional services), Coolon (resources and energy), Native Tongue Music Publishing (creative industries), OET (international education and training), Rubicon Water (sustainability) and Bubs Australia (agribusiness, food and beverages).

Exports play a critical role in Victoria’s economy, contributing more than $45 billion annually and helping to support more than 330,000 jobs in sectors ranging from food and agribusiness to technology, health and international education.

For more details visit global.vic.gov.au/govea.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade Tim Pallas

“The 2022 GOVEA winners have demonstrated outstanding innovation and achievement in taking the best of Victoria to the world.”

“Our exporters deserve recognition because of the vital contribution they make to the economy and the thousands of jobs their provide for Victorians.”

Quote attributable to SDI Limited CEO Samantha Cheetham

“Our teams around the world have worked hard to grow our sales in over 100 countries on all continents.  We are proud to be innovating for the advancement of oral health, helping millions of people have healthier lives.”