The criteria for success: How New Zealand Food Awards judges determine industry excellence

The New Zealand Food Awards is an annual event that celebrates excellence in the food and beverage industry.

But what makes these awards so special and sought after?

It is the depth of the judging panel and the rigorous judging process that sets it apart from other awards.

For those looking to win, it is important to understand the judging criteria and process. With the right preparation and an understanding of the judging system, brands can put themselves in the best position to win the New Zealand Food Awards.

Judging panel

The New Zealand Food Awards judging panel consists of a diverse range of experts from across the sector. They bring a wealth of experience and relevant technical, culinary, scientific, and commercial expertise. Each judge is highly experienced in their field and has a deep knowledge of the food and beverage industry.

The combined knowledge and experience of the panel protects the standards and integrity of the awards.

“All of our judges bring their individual areas of expertise to the judging arena. It is not enough just for a product to have consumer appeal. It needs to be produced sustainably and with innovation – be that through different use of ingredients, processes or packaging. The winning entries deserve their accolade in that they will have been scrutinised by up to eight experts across different fields.”

New Zealand Food Awards Head Judge Kay McMath.

Judging process

The judging process is of utmost importance as it sets the bar for excellence in Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage sector.

The rigorous process is built on four pillars: technical capability, consumer acceptability, regulatory compliance, and food quality and safety.

Entries must meet the criteria for their category and pass each stage of the judging process.  

Judging criteria

The judging criteria is based on innovation, sustainability, and excellence. These three areas are weighed differently reflecting their importance in the overall awards process.

Innovation: 50% weighting

Innovation is defined by the awards as originality, evolution, and modernisation.

It looks at how inventive an entry is; from its ingredients to the processes used in production. Innovation can be witnessed at any stage in the food system including harvesting, formulation, production or process, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution.

Judges will be expecting entrants to demonstrate a high level of creativity that contributes something new or unique to the food industry.

Sustainability: 25% weighting

Sustainability is defined by the awards as kaitiakitanga, environmental impact, product life-cycle, social and economic outcomes, and manufacturing processes. It focuses on how environmentally friendly a product or business is.

This includes factors such as packaging, waste management, energy usage, and water consumption during production processes.

Entrants must demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, maximising environmental, social, and economic outcomes across the entire life-cycle of the product.

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.

It requires an entry to exceed industry standards in all areas of business and product development process, from concept to market.

Entrants must prove overall excellence to gain maximum points under this criterion.

Applying this to your entry

The New Zealand Food Awards judging process is an integral part of the awards, and its importance cannot be overstated.

Advice from our Head Judge, Kay McMath:

“One tip for preparing your entry is to read the case studies of past successful entrants posted on the website. These are great examples to follow as your written word is as important to the judges as your product itself.“

To ensure a strong submission, take time to look at what the judges want to see, how the criteria is weighted, and understand the judging process to help craft the best submission to stand out from the competition.

The New Zealand Food Awards entries are open for the month of May in 2024.