Functional ingredients, foods to meet specific consumer needs, foods for convenience and foods from different cultures are highlights of the finalists in the New Zealand Food Awards, which were announced today.
There were more than 300 entries from 91 companies this year, resulting in 64 outstanding finalists from across the length and breadth of the motu.
The finalists include some big players from the Aotearoa New Zealand food and beverage industry, such as Lewis Road Creamery, My Food Bag, Silver Fern Farms, Waitoa Free Range Chicken, Beak and Johnson, Pic’s Peanut Butter, Harraways and Goodman Fielder, as well as plenty of new players to the market showcasing their latest innovations.
Head judge Kay McMath applauded this year’s entrants on the high quality of the submissions, which reflected a variety of producers across the value chain of the food and beverage industry.
“Entries ranged from new ingredients, primary products with added value, meal kits, fortified foods and beverages, convenience foods and foods for those with allergies – all designed to meet a variety of market needs.”
McMath said the judging panel enjoyed having the entrants’ journey narrated to them in a way that provided intricate details of each stage of the product life cycle, including the challenges they conquered along the way.
“Judging the products with this knowledge gave us a much better background on the innovation, market appeal and sustainability of the entries.
“This year’s finalists demonstrate the successful progression of a new or different concept through to market launch and being cognisant of the need to meet a consumer/customer need using sustainable business and environmental practices.”
She said the innovation on show this year are also commendable.
“Innovation is truly thriving among our producers, ensuring our consumers are constantly being presented with a fantastic range of new, updated and even recycled foods,” McMath said.
Chair of the New Zealand Food Awards governance board and Massey University College of Sciences Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ray Geor said Massey’s ongoing commitment to supporting food producers is demonstrated through the awards and boosted by the powerful partner network.
“Massey’s longstanding expertise in food science and product development means we support food producers and manufacturers nationwide – from the biggest national co-operative to the smallest startup.
“Like them, our food technology groups continue to evolve and move forward in a rapidly changing food system and production environment to ensure excellence is at the forefront,” Geor said.
The New Zealand Food Awards also announced the finalists for the Product Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by AsureQuality. This award, which was introduced in 2019, celebrates Kiwi products that have withstood the test of time.
The 2024 finalists are Edmonds Baking Powder, Harraways Rolled Oats and Sanitarium Weet-Bix.
Full list of finalists:
Product Awards
• Artisan Award – Sponsored by Cuisine
A Lady Butcher – Salami di Birra: IPA Salami
Akaroa Salmon – Hot Smoked Mānuka Salmon Portion 180g
Allmite gold – allmite gold 250g Three Seed
Bear Gelato – Horchata
Feliz Wholefoods Limited – Vutter Avo Spreadable
Good Chow NZ – New Zealand Wagyu Beef Sauce – Shiitake Mushroom
Good Guise – Queso Fresco
Pepler’s – Drunk Doris Preserve
Pickled – Yellow Trees
Remarkable Cream – Cream Liqueur Chocolate Sauce (16% Alcohol / 300ml)
Tartan Sari – Rechard Masala Curry Paste & Marinade
Yum + Lake Hāwea Station – Hāwea Honeycomb Granola – 500g
• Below Zero Award – Sponsored by FoodHQ
Bear Gelato – Horchata
Homemade Baker – Ready made Muffin Batter – Apple Banana Carrot
Pierogi Joint – Babushka Pierogi
Silver Fern Farms – PURE 97% Beef Sliders with Brisket
• Beverage Award – Sponsored by Woolworths
Chia Sisters – Prebiotic Feijoa Smoothie
Elta Ego – Raspberry + Yuzu G&T – Alcohol-Free Adaptogenic Cocktail
Golden Bay Fruit – Apple Juice
Lewis Road Creamery – Comfort Milk – Lactose Free A2 Protein Milk
Love Muscle – Protein Water – Sparkling Pineapple
Wildwood – Feeling Dandy
• Chilled Award – Sponsored by Massey University
A Lady Butcher – Salami di Birra: IPA Salami
Aoraki Salmon – BBQ & Horopito Dry Rub – Hot Smoked Salmon
Beak and Johnston Ltd – Cauliflower & Cheese Soup
Canary – Butterscotch Squeeze
Feliz Wholefoods Limited – Vutter ‘Avo Spreadable’
Good Guise – Paneer
Good Guise – Queso Fresco
Raglan Food Co – Dulce de Leche Caramel Coconut Yoghurt
Silver Fern Farm – Net Carbon Zero by Nature Beef Eye Fillet Steaks
Silver Fern Farms – Net Carbon Zero by Nature Lamb Loin Fillets
Waitoa Free Range Chicken – Waitoa Flavour Kit – Thai Green Chicken Curry
• Health and Wellbeing Award – Sponsored by Palmerston North City Council
Chia Sisters – Prebiotic Feijoa Smoothie
Harraways – Fibre Rich Creamy Original Oat Sachets
My Food Bag – Mexi Chicken Protein Bowl
NaturKidz – Fruit Crispz Gold Kiwi Slices
The Alternative Bread Company – Gluten Free Rustic White Bread Mix
• Pantry Award – Sponsored by Woolworths
Chantal Organics – Organic Spicy Lentil Couscous & Veg Easy Bowl
Chantal Organics – Corn Puffs Churro Style
Good Chow – New Zealand Wagyu Beef Sauce – Shiitake Mushroom
Good Chow – New Zealand Truffle Soy Sauce
Harraways – Fibre Rich Creamy Original Oat Sachets
NaturKidz – Apple & Feijoa Sticks
Pepler’s – Drunk Doris Preserve
Pic’s Peanut Butter – Smoochy Peanut Butter
Pic’s Peanut Butter – Peanut & Chocolate Butter – made with Whittaker’s
Remarkable Cream – Cream Liqueur Chocolate Sauce (16% Alcohol / 300ml)
The Lucky Taco – Verde Taco Kit
Treasured Morning – High Protein Superfood – Apple Crumble
• Primary Sector Award – Sponsored by New Zealand Food Safety
Akaroa Salmon – Hot Smoked Mānuka Salmon Portion 180g
Golden Bay Fruit – Sassy Apples
Good Guise – Paneer
Waitoa Free Range Chicken – Waitoa Flavour Kit – Thai Green Chicken Curry
• Product Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by AsureQuality
Edmonds – Baking Powder
Harraways – Rolled Oats
Sanitarium – Weet-Bix
• Technical Innovation Award – Sponsored by New Zealand Food Innovation Network
Canary – Butterscotch Squeeze
Haven – Oat Toddler Drink
Love Muscle – Protein Water – Sparkling Pineapple
New Ground – Boxed Coffee
• Business Awards
Business Innovation Award – Sponsored by FoodHQ
Pete’s Natural
Poaka NZ Ltd
Rescued Kitchen
The 10 category winners and Supreme Award winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland on October 10.
