Junee chocolate factory founder honoured for service to Riverina

JUNEE business pioneer Neil Druce has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Riverina, honoured alongside some of NSW’s most influential regional leaders for decades of enterprise, tourism and community development.

The founder and managing director of the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory was named the Riverina Murray recipient of Business NSW’s prestigious Service to the Region Award during a special ceremony at Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday, August 12.

The awards formed part of Business NSW’s 200th anniversary celebrations and recognised 10 business and community leaders from across the state who have made a lasting difference in their respective regions.

For Mr Druce, the honour recognises an entrepreneurial journey that has helped put Junee firmly on the tourism map while creating opportunities for local producers and promoting the wider Riverina.

At the heart of that contribution is the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, which Mr Druce established inside the town’s historic flour mill.

Built in 1935, the landmark building was transformed from a piece of Junee’s industrial past into one of the region’s best-known visitor attractions, with the factory now welcoming about 150,000 people through its doors each year.

Business NSW said Mr Druce’s entrepreneurial spirit and community involvement had played a pivotal role in strengthening both the economic and cultural landscape of the Riverina.

His contribution has also extended well beyond the factory gates.

Mr Druce has been actively involved in initiatives including the Canola Trail, Riverina Producers Market and Growers Hub, supporting efforts to showcase the region’s agricultural produce, attract visitors and create new opportunities for local growers and businesses.

He was the sole Riverina Murray recipient among the 10 people recognised across NSW, joining award winners representing the Hunter, Mid North Coast, Central Coast, Western NSW, Northern Rivers, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Western Sydney, Sydney and New England North West.

Image: Supplied

Business NSW president Joseph Carrozzi AM said this year’s recipients embodied the qualities that had long underpinned communities across the state.

“Across NSW, there are people who quietly get on with the job of making their communities stronger,” Mr Carrozzi said.

“They create opportunities, support local businesses and bring people together.”

Formerly known as the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW traces its history back to 1826 and today represents almost 50,000 businesses across the state.

Chief executive Daniel Hunter said recognising the 10 recipients was particularly fitting as the organisation marked two centuries representing the state’s business community.

“As Business NSW marks 200 years, it is fitting to recognise people whose leadership, enterprise and community spirit have made a lasting contribution to the places they call home,” Mr Hunter said.