Meet the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards Finalists
The 2025 finalists have been revealed and we are preparing now to honour Aotearoa New Zealand’s most outstanding and innovative creators at our upcoming gala dinner celebrations.
“The NZ Food Awards are a showcase of the very best talent, creativity, and technical expertise in our food and beverage sector. This is where the most innovative and forward-thinking producers are recognised by their peers, and where exceptional ideas are celebrated for their potential to shape the future of our industry. It’s an honour to witness first-hand the calibre of work being done and to celebrate those setting the benchmark for excellence.”
Proudly sponsored by
Recognising the people behind the product
This year, we introduced two new 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 helping shape the future of food, both in New Zealand and in international markets.
We are excited to announce the following 2025 finalists for the Emerging Talent: Food Science and Technology Award.
Gabrielle Lobo – New Zealand Food Innovation Network
Grace Queenin - Griffin’s Snacks
Aimee Wang – Fonterra Research and Development Centre
Dr Niki (Boying) Wang – Alpha Healthcare Limited
The winner of the 2025 Food Technologist/ Developer of the Year sponsored by FoodHQ will be selected from this year's product finalists and announced at the gala dinner.
Celebrate With Us
All category winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner in Palmerston North on Thursday 16 October 2025, followed by the networking breakfast and regional industry innovation tours on Friday 17 October – open to all NZ Food Awards entrants.
Book your tickets now to be part of the celebration.
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.
FIND OUT MORE
Read about the 11 outstanding winners, 64 finalists, and what the judges had to say.
Look back on the 2024 gala dinner celebration.
Find out more about the robust judging process every product and business goes through.
See the organisations behind the awards who are helping businesses thrive.
News
