New Zealand Food Awards

Deputy Director-General, Vincent Arbuckle, from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) discusses why food safety is so important for Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage industry in his latest blog. The Primary Sector Award sponsored by New Zealand Food Safety Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) recognises outstanding food and beverage producers that exemplify exceptional food safety systems and a culture of quality. The winner of the Primary Sector Award was Next Generation Apples for their Sassy Apples™ apples—a groundbreaking new variety that’s not only delighting kiwis, but also making waves in international markets! Developed through cutting-edge plant-breeding techniques, Sassy™ apples offer crisp texture, vibrant colours, and outstanding flavour. With early harvests, long shelf life, and resistance to pests and diseases, they’re already being enjoyed in countries like Thailand, China, the UK, and beyond. Why this matters: ✅ Food safety is a cornerstone of New Zealand's global reputation in food exports, making up over 80% of our merchandise exports ✅ With ongoing innovation, New Zealand is leading the way in delivering safe, authentic, and high-quality food to the world ✅ The New Zealand Food Awards’ Quality Mark is an incredible tool for businesses to strengthen their brand both locally and internationally. It’s exciting to see forward-thinking companies like Next Generation Apples leading the charge and helping put NZ-made food on the global map! A big shoutout to the food safety systems and the hardworking innovators who make it possible! Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/gZ9_-mju #FoodSafety #Innovation #SassyApples #NZFoodExcellence #NewZealandExports #FoodAwards #PrimarySector #QualityMark #ExportSuccess #Sustainability

A huge heartfelt congratulations to all our 2024 winners! 🏆 Artisan Award – Sponsored by Cuisine Good Chow NZ – New Zealand Wagyu Beef Sauce - Shiitake Mushroom 🏆 Below Zero Award – Sponsored by FoodHQ Pierogi Joint – Babushka Pierogi 🏆 Beverage Award – Sponsored by Woolworths New Zealand Love Muscle – Protein Water - Sparkling Pineapple 🏆 Chilled Award – Sponsored by Massey University Feliz Wholefoods Limited – Vutter ‘Avo Spreadable’ 🏆 Health and Wellbeing Award – Sponsored by Palmerston North City Council Harraways – Fibre Rich Creamy Original Oat Sachets 🏆 Pantry Award – Sponsored by Woolworths Chantal Organics – Organic Spicy Lentil Couscous & Veg Easy Bowl 🏆 Primary Sector Award – Sponsored by New Zealand Food Safety Next Generation Apples – Sassy™ aApples 🏆 Product Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by AsureQuality Edmonds – Baking Powder 🏆 Technical Innovation Award – Sponsored by New Zealand Food Innovation Network Love Muscle – Protein Water - Sparkling Pineapple 🏆 Business Innovation Award – Sponsored by FoodHQ Rescued Kitchen 🏆 Supreme Award – Sponsored by Massey University Feliz Wholefood Limited – Vutter ‘Avo Spreadable’ #NewZealandFood #NewZealandFoodAwards #NZFoodAwards  

We’re honoured to announce the winner of the Supreme Award sponsored by Massey University is Feliz Wholefoods Limited for their Vutter ‘Avo Spreadable’.    The judging panel said:    "Launched in 2023, this product stands out as the only non-butter spread not made from seed oils, with 40% avocado oil. The judges were impressed by the dedication involved in scaling up its production. Achieving its unique qualities required meticulous attention to engineering adaptations and processing parameters, particularly given the constraints of all-natural ingredients.    After numerous trials, the team successfully developed a delicious product with a remarkable mouthfeel. Leveraging expertise in fat rheology, they combined natural sunflower lecithin and an optimal blend of fats to deliver the desired texture and flavour, making it versatile for various consumer applications. With innovation and sustainability at its core, this exceptional product rightfully earned the Supreme Award."    #NewZealandFood #NewZealandFoodAwards #NZFoodAwards  

Rising above all the rest, the winner of the Product Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by AsureQuality is Edmonds for their Baking Powder.    The judging panel said:    "Edmonds Baking Powder is a cherished staple that has consistently been a finalist since the Awards began, and this year it finally rose to the top. Founded in 1879 by Thomas Edmonds, who began crafting baking powder in his grocery store, it all started with a promise: 'It is sure to rise, Madam.' Today, it’s a trusted favourite in kiwi pantries, ensuring home baking delivers just what the recipe promises."    #NewZealandFood #NewZealandFoodAwards #NZFoodAwards

We’re pleased to announce the winner of the Business Innovation Award sponsored by FoodHQ is Rescued Limited.    The judging panel said:    "The entry exemplified an innovative and transformative approach to business operations, demonstrating a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of food system implementation and its far-reaching effects. The entry effectively communicated the scope of changes, and also provided a thorough analysis of how adjustments have significantly enhanced efficiency and effectiveness across supply and operational processes. The use of concrete data and metrics to demonstrate improvements in both operational efficiency and workforce morale underscored the depth of their analysis. The ‘story’ was presented in a straightforward, insightful manner that made it easy to grasp the profound benefits for the applicant, and also the positive shift in organisational culture resulting from a number of initiatives. In summary, an entry that stood out for its clarity, depth of analysis, and effective presentation of quantified outcomes.”    #NewZealandFood #NewZealandFoodAwards #NZFoodAwards     

The winner of the Technical Innovation Award sponsored by New Zealand Food Innovation Network is Love Muscle Ltd for their Protein Water – Sparkling Pineapple.    The judging panel said:    "The entrant collaborated closely with suppliers and food technologists to tackle various technical challenges and meet their target customers' needs. This ready-to-drink functional beverage excels in delivering a satisfying sensory experience. With a high protein content and no sugar, it offers a clean, pleasant flavour while maintaining an attractive clear and sparkling appearance."    #NewZealandFood #NewZealandFoodAwards #NZFoodAwards  

We’re proud to announce the winner of the Primary Sector Award sponsored by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is Next Generation for their Sassy™ Apples Golden Bay Fruit.    The judging panel said:    "The winner of the Primary Product Sector Award is Sassy™ Apples, a new apple variety developed over 12 years of meticulous plant breeding. This exceptional apple boasts a crisp texture, high flavour, unique skin and flesh colour, optimal harvest maturity, and impressive pest and disease resistance. Its long shelf life not only enhances quality but also reduces food waste, earning the admiration of the assessment panel for its innovation and research.”    #NewZealandFood #NewZealandFoodAwards #NZFoodAwards  

The winner of the Pantry Award sponsored by Woolworths is Chantal Organics for their Organic Spicy Lentil Couscous & Veg Easy Bowl.    The judging panel said:    “This product excels in convenience, taste, nutrition, and plant-based appeal. The manufacturers submitted a compelling entry, detailing their technical challenges and thorough market research throughout the development process."    #NewZealandFood #NewZealandFoodAwards #NZFoodAwards  

We’re excited to announce the winner of the Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by the Palmerston North City Council is Harraways for their Fibre Rich Creamy Original Oat Sachets.    The judging panel said:    “When it comes to breakfast, oats are a top choice! Harraways Rich Creamy Original Oat Sachets are turbocharged with extra dietary fibre, making them a standout option. Dietary fibre promotes fullness, helps lower blood sugar levels, and supports both heart and gut health. Yet many New Zealanders consume less than half of the recommended amount. These convenient sachets are quick to prepare, come in recyclable packaging, and deliver 25% of your daily fibre intake."    #NewZealandFood #NewZealandFoodAwards #NZFoodAwards  

We’re proud to announce the winner of the Chilled Award sponsored by Massey University is Vutter - by Feliz Wholefoods for their Vutter ‘Avo Spreadable’.    The judging panel said:    “"The dedication behind this product’s development is clear, and it truly shines in taste, texture, and spreadability. As people seek new ways to enhance their toast, this delicious avocado-based spread offers a perfect, healthy alternative to existing options."    #NewZealandFood #NewZealandFoodAwards #NZFoodAwards