Categories and judging
This year’s Awards include 12 categories, recognising the products as well as the people behind the innovation and excellence.
An exciting update amongst the categories this year is the inclusion of three new categories including Ingredient and Food Service, for ingredients or partially-prepared food materials developed for the manufacturing or food service industries.
Two newly introduced People Awards shine a light on the often-unsung heroes of the food industry — the brilliant minds driving innovation behind the scenes. This exciting new section celebrates the vital role of food scientists, technologists and developers in shaping the future of food. It features two brand new awards: Emerging Talent: Food Science and Technology and Food Technologist or Developer of the Year.
Strategic partner Palmerston North City Council is proud to support the rising stars of New Zealand’s food innovation sector through sponsorship of the Emerging Talent: Food Science and Technology Award.
Mayor of Palmerston North Grant Smith says, “We’re delighted to support the changemakers who are just getting started in their careers in this sector and are already making a real impact. These emerging professionals are the future of our food system, driving new ideas, technology and sustainable practices that will shape how we grow, process and enjoy food. With Palmerston North being New Zealand’s food innovation capital, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on the next generation of industry leaders, helping shape a smarter, more sustainable food industry.”
Each category has specific criteria and entries are evaluated based on the New Zealand Food Awards’ pillars of innovation, excellence and sustainability. Regulatory compliance, food quality and safety are critical components of the judging process.
Judging also incorporates sustainability measures that consider environmental, social and economic performance. All finalists undertake thorough labelling, marketing and facility compliance checks delivered by an approved labelling consultant and New Zealand Food Safety experts. Through this, finalists and winners earn the right to display the New Zealand Food Awards Quality Mark, which signals that a product is locally made, safe, technically sound and consumer approved. Being named a finalist or winner in the Awards provides a valuable marketing opportunity, boosting brand visibility and credibility by attracting attention from both consumers and industry experts.
The Massey University Supreme Winner will be announced at the Gala Dinner on 16 October and will be selected from the winners across the Product Award categories, excluding the Product Lifetime Achievement Award, which is appointed by judge’s selection.
The New Zealand Food Awards appoints a panel of over 30 of the country’s leading food and beverage experts as judges. The judges represent a diverse cross-section of industry disciplines including technical judges, sustainability and commercial specialists, compliance checks, scientific experts, regulatory guides and more.
Backed by industry
Massey’s leadership in food-related education and research, both nationally and globally, forms the foundation of its stewardship of the New Zealand Food Awards. As the cornerstone of food technology in New Zealand and home to the southern hemisphere’s largest pilot-scale food processing plant and equipment collection, the university plays a pivotal role in driving innovation within the sector.
Massey’s ownership of the New Zealand Food Awards underscores its dedication to advancing the food and beverage industry, fostering innovation and contributing to the sector’s ongoing growth and success.
The Awards also provide a powerful platform for fostering community by uniting a diverse network of producers, experts and enthusiasts, all alongside a partner network and a breadth of entrants and supporters to celebrate innovation, excellence and collaboration across the industry.
The Awards programme has been made possible with the support of a network of valued partners including Palmerston North City Council, Woolworths, Cuisine Magazine, New Zealand Food Safety, New Zealand Food Innovation Network, AsureQuality, FoodHQ, FMCG Business and NZ Vegetarian Society.
2025 categories
Product Awards
- Artisan
- Beverage
- Chilled/Frozen
- Health and Wellbeing
- Ingredient and Food Service
- Pantry
- Primary Sector
- Product Lifetime Achievement
- Technical Innovation
People Awards
- Emerging Talent Food Science and Technology
- Food Technologist/Developer
Key dates
1 May – Entries open
30 May – Entries close
23 – 27 June – Judging week
12 August – Finalists announced
16 October – Gala dinner and winners announced, Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North, 7pm – 11.30pm
Find out more about the New Zealand Food Awards here.