Entries are now open for this year’s New Zealand Food Awards. All local food and beverage manufacturers and artisanal producers will have time until July 15 to enter the competition, with judging taking place between August 9 and 12.
Aimed at both small and large manufacturers, as well as primary food producers, food service providers and ingredient supply companies, the event offers a great chance to celebrate industry innovation and showcase products and businesses, receiving feedback from an expert judging panel and industry peers. This year, the award categories have even undergone a refresh to provide more opportunities for companies to enter:
– For large manufacturers: Chilled, Dry goods, Beverages, Frozen
– For small manufacturers: Artisan, Gourmet
– Further categories for health and wellness, primary sector products, business innovation, food safety, export innovation, novel ingredients and overall supreme winner.
Finalists are set to be announced on September 1, and winning products will be able to feature the ‘Quality Mark’ on their packaging.
Last year’s winner of the Supreme Award was Magill’s Butchery Ltd with its Magills Slow-Cooked Pulled Hereford Beef, which battled it out with almost 150 products from 79 manufacturers. According to the company’s owner, Mike Van Der Hoeven, the award has boosted retail sales and facilitated new partnerships.
“My advice to other food producers is to take advantage of this competition,” said Van Der Hoeven.
For more information, visit www.foodawards.co.nz.
