About the New Zealand Food Awards
Celebrating innovation since 1987
The New Zealand Food Awards champion excellence across Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage sector, celebrating the innovation, quality and creativity that define our nation’s producers. Established in 1987, the awards have recognised the products and people shaping the future of food — from pioneering start-ups and artisan makers to industry leaders and globally recognised brands.
Proudly owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, the awards provide a platform to showcase the ingenuity and resilience of New Zealand’s food and beverage community. They shine a light on the products, and also on the scientists and technologists, developers and innovators behind them — the people ensuring the sector continues to thrive both locally and on the international stage.
This celebration is made possible through the support of the New Zealand Food Awards partners and category sponsors, whose commitment to excellence helps elevate and inspire the entire industry. Together with Massey University, highlighting the very best of New Zealand food and beverage and encouraging the next generation of innovation.
2025 Supreme Award
Winner: Fonterra Co-operative - Easy Bakery Cream
The judges commended the team at Fonterra for its exceptional technical innovation in developing Easy Bakery Cream, achieving consistent whipping performance and stability with only 30% fat — a notable reduction from the traditional 35% — while using 100% New Zealand pasture-fed milk. This posed a significant challenge, as lower fat content typically compromises a cream’s ability to whip and hold structure.
The team’s breakthrough came through the creation of a patented formulation that delivers comparable yield, stability, and functionality to higher-fat creams, with the added benefit of a lighter taste that complements fruit and dessert applications.
The judges also noted the company’s impressive management of seasonal milk variation, a natural challenge of pasture-fed production. Ongoing refinement of the formulation and processing techniques ensures bakers receive a consistently reliable, high-performing product year-round.
2025 Category winners
recognising the talent behind the innovation
This year, two People Awards were introduced, celebrating the scientists, technologists and developers driving New Zealand’s food future.
Emerging Talent: Food Science & Technology (sponsored by Palmerston North City Council) — Gabrielle Lobo
Food Technologist/Developer of the Year (sponsored by FoodHQ) — Hemang Bhatt, Leena Kishor, Maria Ferrua (Fonterra Easy Bakery Cream)
What’s next
Our celebration of the 2025 winners marks the start of another exciting cycle for Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage industry.
Each year the New Zealand Food Awards evolve to reflect emerging trends, consumer expectations, and the incredible creativity of our producers. Whether you’re an artisan start-up with a bold idea, a researcher pushing the boundaries of food science, or an established company launching into new markets, the awards are your chance to be recognised on a national stage.
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Highlights from the Gala
Catch the highlights of an unforgettable evening. Explore our photo gallery - and relive the exciting moment each award was announced!
Partners
With thanks to our partners
The New Zealand Food Awards would not be possible without the support of our principal, strategic, category, media, affiliate and event partners. Their commitment to excellence helps us to celebrate and elevate Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage industry, from recognising innovation and quality to supporting the people who make it happen. Together, with Massey University, showcasing the very best of New Zealand and encouraging the next generation of food innovation.
