Care Essentials named 2023 Australian Exporter of the Year

I am thrilled to announce Care Essentials, exporter of Australian-made medical products to more than 70 markets, as the 2023 Australian Exporter of the Year and winner of the Regional Exporter category in this year's Australian Export Awards.

Care Essentials, based in Geelong, is a family-owned business that has grown to become a world leading exporter of Australian manufactured warming devices, and equipment for patients undergoing surgery.

Established in 1996, the company has grown significantly and now exports its flagship product, Cocoon Warming System and a range of other medical products like respirators, surgical masks, sterilisation wraps and pre-warming blankets to the US, the UK, Taiwan, New Zealand, Japan, India and countries across Europe.

I congratulate all winners across the 13 categories and recognise the 86 outstanding national finalists who are winners in their home state or territory.

The quality of finalists this year was exceptional, and they are to be commended for their significant contributions to Australia's economy and the jobs they've helped to create.

Collectively they employ over 22,500 people and generated $12 billion in export earnings.

Trade is a key lever of the Australian economy, and the Albanese Government is focussed on opening up new export opportunities for Australian businesses to diversify their overseas markets through new trade agreements.

The Australian Export Awards, presented by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), is Australia's longest running export awards program.

Full list of 2023 winners:

For more information and to read stories about the winners, visit www.exportawards.gov.au