Celebrating Aotearoa at Its Best
Recognising the future of food
New Zealand makes extraordinary food. The New Zealand Food Awards exist to showcase the drive and dedication behind it.
The growers, producers, scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs finding new ways to deliver quality, sustainability and flavour. The teams choosing excellence, even when it takes more time, effort and ingenuity.
For 40 years, we've recognised the products, businesses and individuals setting the benchmark for food and beverage excellence in Aotearoa. From emerging ideas to established success stories, the Awards celebrate those who are raising standards, advancing innovation and helping shape the future of food in New Zealand, and abroad.
Owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, the Awards bring together industry expertise, scientific rigour and independent judging to honour the very best our sector has to offer.
Because great food doesn't happen by accident. It happens through passion, expertise and an unwavering commitment to doing things better.
A legacy of excellence, since 1986.
Founded on a proposal by pioneer Dr Mary Earle through the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology, the New Zealand Food Awards have spent four decades recognising excellence across the sector. Proudly championing the talent, ingenuity and leadership at the heart of our food story.
Today, the Awards remain the country's premier recognition programme, highlighting the products, technologies and people driving the future of food in Aotearoa. Backed by Massey University's internationally recognised expertise in food science, technology and research, the Awards continue to evolve alongside the industry they serve.
2026 Product Award Finalists Announced
From caught-to-order wild crayfish and bone broth to vegan white chocolate, functional beverages and innovative pantry staples, the first group of 2026 Product Finalists showcases the remarkable diversity and creativity of New Zealand's food and beverage sector.
Selected through a robust judging process involving 24 experts from academia, industry, retail, hospitality and government, every product was assessed against a comprehensive framework designed to ensure a fair, transparent and rigorous evaluation process.
Gala Dinner
Join us at the 2026 Gala Dinner
Celebrate the very best of Aotearoa's food and beverage industry at the 2026 New Zealand Food Awards Gala Dinner.
Join finalists, industry leaders, innovators, researchers and food professionals from across the motu for an evening dedicated to recognising excellence, innovation and achievement. The winners of each category, medal recipients and the 2026 New Zealand Food Awards Supreme Winner will be announced at our black-tie Gala Dinner at 6.30pm on Tuesday 13 October at Auckland’s Shed 10
Whether you're a finalist, entrant, sponsor or industry supporter, this is your opportunity to connect with peers, celebrate success and be part of one of the food and beverage sector's most anticipated nights of the year.
Early bird tickets are on sale now.
Awards timeline
2025 highlights
A snapshot of the latest Awards year. Explore winners and finalists by category.
The Quality Mark
Setting the Standard for Food Excellence
The New Zealand Food Awards Quality Mark is a trusted symbol of excellence, innovation and responsible practice in Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage sector. Awarded to finalists and winners through our independent and robust judging process, it signals strong technical capability, consumer appeal, and confidence in quality and food safety. Above all, it celebrates the people and mahi behind a product or business journey – from idea to market.
Our Awards honour:
Innovation and food science excellence
Outstanding product quality and sensory experience
Sustainable thinking and responsible practices
Technical achievement and product development
Leadership across New Zealand's food and beverage sector
Partners
With thanks to our partners
The New Zealand Food Awards are made possible through the commitment of our valued partner network, which brings together respected industry leaders and experts from across the food and beverage value chain. Their collective insight, experience and support strengthen the Awards as a nationally significant platform celebrating excellence, innovation and leadership, and recognising the products and people shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage industry.
Partner network
