Winners
PRODUCT AWARDS
Artisan Award - Sponsored by Cuisine
GOOD CHOW NZ
New Zealand Wagyu Beef Sauce - Shiitake Mushroom
The judges said New Zealand Wagyu Beef Sauce is a tasty and versatile option that makes mealtime easy. In just five minutes, you can enjoy a well-balanced sauce that combines shiitake and spices for a mild yet flavourful experience. It’s a great addition to any kitchen.
Below Zero Award - Sponsored by FoodHQ
PEIROGI JOINT
Babushka Pierogi
The judging panel said Pierogi may not be traditional in New Zealand, but this company is bringing a taste of heritage to our shores with a fresh and innovative approach. It’s exciting to see how they’re making these delicious dumplings a part of everyday life for many Kiwi households.
Beverage Award - Sponsored by Woolworths
LOVE MUSCLE
Protein Water – Sparkling Pineapple.
The judging panel said we appreciated this entry for its innovative take on carbonated dairy products. The clear protein in a carbonated base, combined with thorough market research and a thoughtful approach to product development, highlights its strengths. Solid arguments for sustainability also played a key role in the product's success.
Chilled Award - Sponsored by Massey University
FELIZ WHOLEFOODS LIMITED
Vutter ‘Avo Spreadable’
The judging panel said the dedication behind this product’s development is clear, and it truly shines in taste, texture, and spreadability. As people seek new ways to enhance their toast, this delicious avocado-based spread offers a perfect, healthy alternative to existing options.
Health and Wellbeing Award - Sponsored by the Palmerston North City Council
HARRAWAYS
Fibre Rich Creamy Original Oat Sachets.
The judging panel said when it comes to breakfast, oats are a top choice! Harraways Rich Creamy Original Oat Sachets are turbocharged with extra dietary fibre, making them a standout option. Dietary fibre promotes fullness, helps lower blood sugar levels, and supports both heart and gut health. Yet many New Zealanders consume less than half of the recommended amount. These convenient sachets are quick to prepare, come in recyclable packaging, and deliver 25% of your daily fibre intake.
Pantry Award - Sponsored by Woolworths
CHANTAL ORGANICS
Organic Spicy Lentil Couscous & Veg Easy Bowl.
The judging panel said this product excels in convenience, taste, nutrition, and plant-based appeal. The manufacturers submitted a compelling entry, detailing their technical challenges and thorough market research throughout the development process.
Primary Sector Award - Sponsored by New Zealand Food Safety
NEXT GENERATION APPLES
Sassy™ Apples
The judging panel said the winner of the Primary Product Sector Award is Sassy™ Apples, a new apple variety developed over 12 years of meticulous plant breeding. This exceptional apple boasts a crisp texture, high flavour, unique skin and flesh colour, optimal harvest maturity, and impressive pest and disease resistance. Its long shelf life not only enhances quality but also reduces food waste, earning the admiration of the assessment panel for its innovation and research.
Product Lifetime Achievement Award - Sponsored by AsureQuality
EDMONDS
Baking Powder
The judging panel said Edmonds Baking Powder is a cherished staple that has consistently been a finalist since the Awards began, and this year it finally rose to the top. Founded in 1879 by Thomas Edmonds, who began crafting baking powder in his grocery store, it all started with a promise: 'It is sure to rise, Madam.' Today, it’s a trusted favourite in Kiwi pantries, ensuring home baking delivers just what the recipe promises.
Technical Innovation Award - Sponsored by New Zealand Food Innovation Network
LOVE MUSCLE
Protein Water – Sparkling Pineapple.
The judging panel said the entrant collaborated closely with suppliers and food technologists to tackle various technical challenges and meet their target customers' needs. This ready-to-drink functional beverage excels in delivering a satisfying sensory experience. With a high protein content and no sugar, it offers a clean, pleasant flavour while maintaining an attractive clear and sparkling appearance.
Business Innovation Award - Sponsored FoodHQ
RESCUED KICTHEN
The judging panel said the entry exemplified an innovative and transformative approach to business operations, demonstrating a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of food system implementation and its far-reaching effects. The entry effectively communicated the scope of changes, and also provided a thorough analysis of how adjustments have significantly enhanced efficiency and effectiveness across supply and operational processes. The use of concrete data and metrics to demonstrate improvements in both operational efficiency and workforce morale underscored the depth of their analysis. The ‘story’ was presented in a straightforward, insightful manner that made it easy to grasp the profound benefits for the applicant, and also the positive shift in organisational culture resulting from a number of initiatives. In summary, an entry that stood out for its clarity, depth of analysis, and effective presentation of quantified outcomes.
Supreme Award - Sponsored by Massey University
FELIZ WHOLEFOODS LIMITED
Vutter ‘Avo Spreadable’
The judging panel said this product stands out as the only non-butter spread not made from seed oils, with 40% avocado oil. The judges were impressed by the dedication involved in scaling up its production. Achieving its unique qualities required meticulous attention to engineering adaptations and processing parameters, particularly given the constraints of all-natural ingredients. After numerous trials, the team successfully developed a delicious product with a remarkable mouthfeel. Leveraging expertise in fat rheology, they combined natural sunflower lecithin and an optimal blend of fats to deliver the desired texture and flavour, making it versatile for various consumer applications. With innovation and sustainability at its core, this exceptional product rightfully earned the Supreme Award.
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 – 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 Farms
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 NZ
New Zealand Wagyu Beef Sauce - Shiitake Mushroom
Good Chow
New Zealand Truffle Soy Sauce
Harraways
Fibre Rich Creamy Original Oat Sachets
NaturKidz
Fruit Crispz - 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
Next Generation Apples
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 Innovation Award – Sponsored by FoodHQ
Pete’s Natural
Poaka NZ Ltd
Rescued Kitchen
