Judging Process
Each category has set criteria and only the entrants exhibiting the highest levels of the Awards' core characteristics will rise to the standard of finalist, winner and supreme winner. The judging process reflects the New Zealand Food Awards brand values of innovation, sustainability and excellence.
The judging process is built on our judging pillars of technical capability, consumer acceptability, regulatory compliance and food quality and safety. Entries are required to meet their category criteria and baseline scoring for each judging phase to progress. The integrated judging process ensures that you can trust any brand wearing the New Zealand Food Awards Quality Mark is manufactured here in New Zealand and represents outstanding food technology, production, manufacturing and marketing.
Phase 1: Innovation - 50% weighting
Innovation is defined by the awards as originality, evolution and modernisation. In essence, it’s a company’s ability to take product development to a new level, creating original or improved consumer products, fulfilling an identified need in the market. Innovation can be witnessed at any stage in the food system including harvesting, formulation, production or process, manufacturing, marketing and distribution.
Phase 2: Sustainability - 25% weighting
Sustainability is defined by the awards as kaitiakitanga, environmental impact, product life-cycle, social and economic outcomes and manufacturing processes. In essence, it’s the demonstration of a company’s commitment to maximising environmental, social and economic outcomes across the entire life-cycle of the product; i.e. from agricultural production through to manufacturing, distribution, consumer use and on to final waste management. Outcomes may be related, but not limited to, management of carbon, water, waste and biodiversity, and the wellbeing of staff and local communities.
Phase 3: Excellence - 25% weighting
Excellence is defined as the forefront of science and technology, exceptional food safety, outstanding customer experience and a reflection of reaching the pinnacle of the industry. In essence, it’s a company that surpasses everyday industry standards to achieve the very highest quality in its business and through the product development process, from concept to market. Excellence may be illustrated through all aspects of product development from formulation to taste and visual presentation, and in business processes across said development and the wider organisation.
Judging Panel
The New Zealand Food Awards judging panel is made up of a cross-section of New Zealand’s food and beverage industry. Each year, our judges bring a wealth of experience and relevant technical, culinary, scientific and commercial expertise.
The judging panel covers eight specialities led by our Head Judge:
Cuisine Artisan Judges (Artisan Award only)
Technical Judges
Sustainability Judges
Packaging Judges
Taste Judges
Consumer Judges
Business Award Judges
Supreme Award Judges
