Ralph Plarre, Ferguson Plarre’s former third-generation family boss and the founder of Plarre Foods, has been awarded Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours for services to the Australian baking industry.
On social media, the Ferguson Plarre brand shared the news with a congratulatory post, describing the award as “a fitting recognition for a lifetime of leadership, innovation and service”.
Plarre led the small family bakery to become a substantial Victorian chain, championing sustainable practices along the way.
“His belief in people has created thousands of jobs, supported new small business owners and built a workplace culture defined by care, generosity and community impact,” the post reads.
Among his achievements, Plarre has been inducted into the Victorian Manufacturers Hall of Fame, is a lifetime member of the Australian Society of Baking, and has trained nuns in East Timor and Uganda to be self-sufficient commercial bakers.
