Celebrating food and beverage product and business innovation
What’s On
2025 Programme Launch
We’re excited to announce the key dates for the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards. Last year we received over 300 entries from 91 companies across the motu, ranging from small artisanal producers to large global brands. This year we’re looking for products and businesses that:
Are new to market (less than three years old).
Demonstrate innovation in formulation, production, process, or distribution.
Have a sustainable lifecycle considering environmental, social and economic outcomes.
Showcase exceptional food technology and food safety.
Deliver an outstanding customer experience.
Entrants have the opportunity to network with other innovative food and beverage producers, gain insights into the industry and receive valuable advice from industry experts along the way. Entries Open 1st May 2025.
NZ Food Awards Finalist Key Dates Timeline
ABOUT
An annual programme of activity supporting food and beverage producers
For over 35 years, the New Zealand Food Awards, owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, have enabled food and beverage producers to showcase their latest and greatest innovations, celebrating the people and mahi behind a product or business journey.
A symbol of food and beverage innovation, sustainability and excellence
To be awarded the New Zealand Food Award’s Quality Mark, a product or business has reached the pinnacle of New Zealand’s food and beverage industry. It is synonymous with technical capability, regulatory compliance, food quality and safety and consumer acceptability.
Supported by the forefront of industry
Massey University’s ownership stems from the role it plays at the forefront of food-related education and research in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. Massey University is also home to the largest collection of pilot-scale food processing plant and equipment in the southern hemisphere.
Judged by a cross-section of the sector
A cross-section of New Zealand’s leading food and beverage industry experts make up the judging panel, bringing technical, scientific, commercial and culinary expertise to the awards.
Backed by an influential Partner Network
The New Zealand Food Awards are supported by a partner network representing government agencies, industry associations and businesses, each playing an important role in the New Zealand food and beverage value chain. As a collective, the network delivers the resources and support needed to empower producers as they continue developing products at the forefront of the industry.
FIND OUT MORE
Read about the 11 outstanding winners, 64 finalists, and what the judges had to say.
Look back on the 2024 gala dinner celebration.
Find out more about the robust judging process every product and business goes through.
See the organisations behind the awards who are helping businesses thrive.
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