AUSTRALIA’S top meat business women will be celebrated in the sector’s annual awards in Melbourne later this month.

Meat Business Women Australia has announced the finalists for its prestigious 2026 awards program that celebrates women who are driving innovation, leading change and shaping the future of Australia’s meat and food supply chain.

The finalists for the MBW Australia Woman of the Year Award, supported by BOTT Insurance Group, are:

Amanda Carter, Australian Meat Processor Corporation

Dianne Davies, D’Orsogna Limited

Lizette Snaith, Warialda Belted Galloway Beef (WBGB)

Patricia Ryder, AUS-MEAT

Suzannah Moss-Wright, Mottainai Lamb

The finalists for the MBW Australia One to Watch Award, supported by HR Legal, are:

Kira Picknell, Number8Bio

Breanna Harrigan, Andrews Meat Industries

Kalani Moss, Casino Food Company

Sophie Cooper, Kilcoy Global Foods

Lisa Lopez, Harvest Road

MBW said the Woman of the Year Award celebrates women with more than a decade of industry experience who have demonstrated sustained leadership and created significant impact throughout their careers. The One to Watch Award recognises emerging professionals aged 35 and under who are already making their mark and show exceptional potential as future industry leaders.

MBW Australian chair Stacey McKenna said the finalists reflect the extraordinary depth of talent, passion and leadership emerging across Australia’s meat and food supply chain.

“These women represent the very best of our industry.

“They are leading teams, driving innovation, developing people and helping create a stronger, more sustainable future for the meat and food supply chain,” she said.

“What is particularly inspiring about this year’s finalists is the diversity of their experiences and contributions.

“From research and sustainability to operations, international markets and people leadership, each finalist is making a meaningful impact within their organisation and across the broader industry.”

Meat Business Women will share the stories behind each finalist through its Finalist Spotlight Series, highlighting their career journeys, achievements and the impact they are having across the industry.

The winner of each award will receive a $5000 professional and personal development grant to support their continued growth and leadership journey.

The recipients of the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia Woman of the Year and One to Watch Awards will be announced at the MBW Australia Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening in Melbourne on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.

The event will bring together industry leaders and professionals to explore the latest findings from the 2026 Gender Representation Report, discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the workforce and celebrate the achievements of women across the sector.