How to submit a winning entry
We’ve collated some useful tips to help guide you when completing your entry.
1. Selecting your categories
Make sure you have read the descriptions of all the categories and carefully selected the ones that are applicable to your product or business. Choosing the right category is critical to your success!
We’ve created a suite of case studies with real-life examples from previous winners across the different categories to give you some inspiration.
Don’t forget that with your one entry fee you can enter up to three product award categories – make sure you take advantage of this!
2. Completing your entry form
This is the one time where less is not more. Take the time to answer the entry form thoroughly. Your entry is your marketer and food technologist wrapped into one silent salesman; it provides the required context and background about your product or business for the judging panel. The time you commit to this process is an investment, so make it count.
3. Storytelling
The story behind your product or business is completely unique. We want to know it all. Take the time to tell us about the highs and the lows, the nitty gritty and everything in between.
The journey is important to demonstrate how your product or business has evolved and the innovation required.
4. Understand the Terms and Conditions
Take time to read the Terms and Conditions. Quite often they contain an answer you might be seeking. Some key conditions of entry are:
· Your product must be commercially available in the New Zealand marketplace
· Products and Variants must be suitable for human consumption
· Products must be new to the market – launched within the last three years.
5. Familiarise yourself with the compliance requirements
To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:
· Your product, packaging and advertising must comply with all the relevant New Zealand legislation (including the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, Food Act 2014, Wine Act 2003, Animal Products Act 1999, Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 and the Fair Trading Act 1986)
· You must include current council or MPI registration of the business(es) responsible for either producing or making the product (Refer to MPI’s public register to find the registration number)
· An acceptable recent verification history
· No current/on-going food safety and suitability non-compliance issues
· Be meeting the relevant labelling and health claims requirements (please refer to the requirements for labelling, PEAL, health, nutrition content claims for more information)
· Ensuring animal welfare (if relevant).
