From the Eyre Peninsula down to the Limestone Coast, South Australians are spoiled for choice when it comes to sampling some of the nation’s highest-quality food and beverages.

The state’s agriculture sector boasts Australia’s largest wine industry and the gross value of its production was $7.2 billion in 2016-17.

“The industry is naturally a major supporter of regional and remote communities as it employs one in five working South Australians and also helps to generate interest in other industries such as hospitality and tourism,” says ANZ’s Business Banking South Australian state manager, Brendan Rinaldi.

ANZ has rallied a number of local agriculture producers to get behind its inaugural ANZ Community Ball, which will be held on February 16 and raise money for several South Australian charities including United Way, Childhood Cancer Association, Generations in Jazz, Youth Opportunities and The Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Eight producers will supply the food and beverages for the evening, which will feature a three-course menu showcasing the quality and diversity of South Australia’s agriculture industry.

Family-run, third-generation business Mt Barker Strawberries, which has grown from a 1ha to 20ha operation since 1980, will be one of the local producers on show.

“South Australia is a unique market in that the community supports local growers. Whether its strawberries, grapes or wine, everyone gets behind it, so this event is a chance for us to show our support in return and help several organisations that make a meaningful impact in our communities,” says Mt Barker Strawberries owner George Piliouras.

Asked what advantages South Australian produce has over other states, George doesn’t hesitate.

“I think South Australian product has a better taste; it’s our soil and our climate that helps to produce a far superior taste and quality, in my opinion.”

Adelaide Hills-based Lobethal Bierhaus beer has been at the forefront of the state’s craft beer boom and will feature on the night’s beverage menu.

“In the past we had large-scale brewers, brewing a generic product designed to last as long as it could and taste the same every time you drank it, so beer was only really identified by packaging,” says Lobethal Bierhaus owner Alister Turnbull.

“When we started 12 years ago, we had to explain what craft beer was and had a lot of trouble getting it into a bottle shop. Now we have to explain why ours is different because craft beer is so well accepted.

“Just like the wine industry, our local beer industry is pushing the flavour experience and we now have lots of people making hundreds of different sorts of beers, and they have a lot of appeal in different segments of the market.”

The company also takes pride in using local ingredients and sources its barley from the Yorke Peninsula.

“There’s an enormous amount of fresh produce available locally. The Adelaide Hills is well known for its wine but there’s apples, pears, strawberries and livestock, and it’s all right on my doorstep. When you start using these products you’re going to get a fresher end result.”

Woodside Cheese Wrights’ Kris Lloyd with her Monet cheese.

Like Lobethal Bierhaus, nearby Woodside Cheese Wrights has also established a strong following and experienced significant growth since establishing its operations around 20 years ago. Its Monet cheese will soon be found in one of the United States’ major sports stadiums.

“We’ve been fortunate to win a contract with Madison Square Garden in New York, where we will be supplying one of our cheeses, Monet, named after Monet’s garden, in their luxury boxes,” says manager and head cheesemaker, Kris Lloyd.

“We’ve been able to achieve this by telling a real Australian story, particularly through the use of Australian ingredients, so these cheeses haven’t been seen in this market before and there is the point of difference that sparks interest.”

For those interested in supporting community organisations, while enjoying a locally sourced three-course menu and live entertainment from international jazz musician James Morrison, tickets or tables of 10 can be purchased via Trybooking.