Gala Dinner & Networking Breakfast
– 16 & 17 October 2025
An unforgettable celebration of the best of New Zealand’s food and beverage industry
The winners of each category — and our 2025 New Zealand Food Awards Supreme Winner — will be announced at our black-tie gala dinner at the Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North, hosted by MC Jeremy Corbett. Join finalists, food and beverage enthusiasts, industry leaders and peers for an evening of celebration, fine dining, and entertainment. We meet again in the morning for further opportunities to connect, learn, discover and collaborate.
The 2025 New Zealand Food Awards brings together producers, innovators, researchers, distributors, retailers, and supporters for two unmissable events in Palmerston North.
Gala Dinner, Central Energy Trust Arena, Thursday 16 October - 6.30 - 11.00pm: A black-tie evening, the pinnacle of the NZ Food Awards calendar, celebrating category winners and the 2025 Supreme Winner, with exceptional dining, entertainment, and networking — a night where innovation and excellence are celebrated in style and we celebrate the people shaping our food future.
Networking Breakfast & Industry Innovation Tours, The Refectory, Massey University, Friday 17 October - 8.45am - ~12.00pm: Join fellow guests, entrants, finalists, partners, and industry experts for a morning of great food and meaningful connections, followed by exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the Manawatu region’s world-class food and agricultural research facilities.
8:45am – Barista coffee available
9:00am – Breakfast served
9:00–10:00am – Networking with NZ Food Awards partners and supporters
10:00am – Buses depart for Industry Innovation Tours
~12:00pm – Tours return
Whether you’re a finalist, an entrant, a partner, or simply passionate about the food and beverage sector, this is your chance to celebrate, connect, and be inspired.
Connect
Build valuable relationships across the food and beverage sector.
Learn
Hear insights from industry experts and researchers.
Discover
Go behind the scenes at world-class innovation hubs.
Collaborate
Identify opportunities for growth and future partnerships.
Industry Innovation Tour Options - Friday 17 October
Spaces are limited and will be confirmed on booking
Massey University: Feast, FoodPilot & HNRU
Explore food science, pilot-scale processing, product testing, and sensory evaluation.
Massey University: Whenua Haumanu
Regenerative agriculture research: soil health, diverse pasture systems, and emissions in real-world trials.
Te Utanganui – Logistics Hub
How food moves from farm to shelf through advanced logistics and distribution.
Fonterra & Plant & Food Research
Research in health-driven food development, dairy innovation, and sustainable production.
Ticket Options
| Ticket Type | Individual | Table of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Gala Dinner Only | $220 | $2,150 |
| Networking Breakfast & Tours Only | $50 | $450 |
| Full Event Package (Dinner + Breakfast & Tours) | $250 | $2,400 |
All prices exclude GST.
Ticket sales open 9:00am, Tuesday 12 August 2025 · Close 5:00pm, Monday 6 October 2025.
Dietary requirements and seating preferences can be specified at checkout.
