Sending seaweed overseas sees success for Tasmanian business

A Marrawah family business has been bestowed the honour of Tasmania’s emerging exporter of the year.

Tasmanian Seaweed Fertilisers was one of eleven businesses that won at the 2025 Tasmanian Export Awards.

The company was founded by Stafford and Margo Heres more than 20 years ago and turns local storm cast Bull Kelp into fertiliser products.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team, as well as the incredible support we’ve received from the local community,” Stafford said.

“We are proud to be taking a piece of Tasmania to the world and showing how our unique environment can deliver truly sustainable solutions.”

Tasmanian Seaweed Fertilisers will now represent the state in the Australian Emerging Exporter category in November in Canberra.

“This is not only a win for our business but for Circular Head and Tasmania as a whole,” Stafford said.

“We are excited to carry Tasmania’s name forward to the national awards and showcase what our state can achieve.”

Lightning Protection International was crowned the overall Tasmanian Exporter of the Year.

Trade Minister Guy Barnett said the awards were an opportunity to showcase the exporting abilities of Tasmanian businesses.

“We know that our export sector is thriving with goods and service exports reaching $6.16 billion for 2023-24,” Mr Barnett said.

“The awards showcase the impressive breadth of exporting capabilities in Tasmania, recognising industries across multiple sectors including the creative arts, technology, advanced manufacturing and food and beverages."

There were 56 entrants across the 11 award categories.

“The Tasmanian Export Awards are a celebration of the outstanding contribution our exporters make to the state’s economy and international reputation,” Mr Barnett said.

“We want to work together to move our state forward and encourage even more Tasmanian businesses to export, nationally and internationally.

“Helping more Tasmanian companies to export and share our high-quality products and services with the rest of the world will strengthen our economy and create more job opportunities for Tasmanians."

Other award winners included Tasman Sea Salt, Hai Loong Seafood and Pasture.io.