Meet the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards Finalists
The wait is over – our 2025 finalists are here.
From 365 entries across 138 companies, 48 exceptional products have risen to the top, representing the very best of Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage innovation.
“The NZ Food Awards are a showcase of the very best talent, creativity, and technical expertise in our food and beverage sector. This is where the most innovative and forward-thinking producers are recognised by their peers, and where exceptional ideas are celebrated for their potential to shape the future of our industry. It’s an honour to witness first-hand the calibre of work being done and to celebrate those setting the benchmark for excellence.”
Proudly sponsored by
2025 Finalists
Artisan - sponsored by Cuisine
Health, wellbeing, and uniquely Aotearoa flavours meet time-honoured traditions.
Beverage - sponsored by Massey University
Functional ingredients and wellness-driven drinks with serious market appeal.
Coolchain - sponsored by Woolworths
Chilled and frozen creations that blend convenience with exceptional taste.
Ingredient / Food Service - sponsored by Massey University
Scalable innovation shaping the future of food from behind the scenes.
Health and Wellbeing - sponsored by Alpha Group Ltd
Functional nutrition and social impact without compromising taste.
Pantry - sponsored by Woolworths
Clever formulations and rich community stories behind the products you love.
Primary Sector Award – sponsored by New Zealand Food Safety
The best of Aotearoa’s dairy, meat, fish, horticulture, and honey.
Product Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by AsureQuality
Honouring a product that has stood the test of time, this award celebrates enduring success, consistent quality, and lasting impact in Aotearoa’s food and beverage industry.
Technical Innovation Award - sponsored by NZ Food Innovation Network
Science-led thinking, cultural inspiration, and smart sustainability in action.
Celebrate With Us
Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner in Palmerston North on Thursday 16 October 2025, followed by the networking breakfast and regional industry innovation tours on Friday 17 October – open to all NZ Food Awards entrants.
Book your tickets now to be part of the celebration.
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 journey.
A symbol of food and beverage innovation, sustainability and excellence
To be awarded the New Zealand Food Award’s Quality Mark, a product 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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