The pinnacle celebration of Aotearoa’s food and beverage industry

Why Attend the Gala Dinner?

Celebrate Excellence – Be there as category winners and the prestigious New Zealand Food Awards Supreme Winner are announced live on stage.

Indulge in Fine Dining – Savour a three-course menu showcasing the best of New Zealand’s culinary talent.

Network with Industry Leaders – Connect with producers, innovators, judges, and sector partners in one unforgettable evening.

Event Highlights

Black-tie Gala Dinner – Thursday 16 October, Central Energy Trust Arena

Networking Breakfast & Industry Tours – Friday 17 October, Massey University and regional innovation hubs

Choose from:

• Gala Dinner – $220 per person / $2,150 table of 10

• Breakfast & Tours – $50 per person / $450 table of 10

• Full package – $250 per person / $2,400 table of 10

Meet the Finalists

This year’s finalists represent the very best in innovation, quality, and sustainability. From emerging talent to established leaders, they showcase the depth and creativity of New Zealand’s food and beverage industry.

All eyes will be on them at the Gala Dinner, where the winners will be revealed.

New in 2025 – we introduced two People Awards that celebrate the talent driving innovation in food and beverage:

• Emerging Talent: Food Science and Technology (sponsored by Palmerston North City Council) – recognising the rising stars in our industry.

• Food Technologist/Developer of the Year (sponsored by FoodHQ) – celebrating the technical expertise behind one of this year’s finalist products.

These awards recognise the essential contributions of our food scientists, technologists, and developers who are shaping the future of food in New Zealand and beyond.

Proudly sponsored by

ABOUT

An annual programme of activity supporting food and beverage producers

For over 35 years, the New Zealand Food Awards, owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, have enabled food and beverage producers to showcase their latest and greatest innovations, celebrating the people and mahi behind a product journey.

A symbol of food and beverage innovation, sustainability and excellence

To be awarded the New Zealand Food Award’s Quality Mark, a product has reached the pinnacle of New Zealand’s food and beverage industry. It is synonymous with technical capability, regulatory compliance, food quality and safety and consumer acceptability.

Supported by the forefront of industry

Massey University’s ownership stems from the role it plays at the forefront of food-related education and research in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. Massey University is also home to the largest collection of pilot-scale food processing plant and equipment in the southern hemisphere.

Judged by a cross-section of the sector

A cross-section of New Zealand’s leading food and beverage industry experts make up the judging panel, bringing technical, scientific, commercial and culinary expertise to the awards.

Backed by an influential Partner Network

The New Zealand Food Awards are supported by a partner network representing government agencies, industry associations and businesses, each playing an important role in the New Zealand food and beverage value chain. As a collective, the network delivers the resources and support needed to empower producers as they continue developing products at the forefront of the industry.

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