Massey searches for NZ’s cutting edge food

Media release                                                                                                             12 May 2008

Massey searches for NZ’s cutting edge food products

Massey University is calling for the most cutting edge new food and drink products in the country to enter into this year’s 2008 Massey University Food Awards.

With only a month to go, organisers are encouraging food producers to get their entries in quick to compete in this prestigious bi-annual competition. Entries close on 6 June.

The awards, which have been running for 22 years, recognise innovation and excellence in the food and beverage industry.

There has already been a huge amount of interest in this year’s awards, which are set to be the biggest and best Massey University Food Awards yet, says Event Organiser Tony Goode. 

“We have seen a great deal of innovation in the past 18 months, which is really driving the food and beverage industry forward. This has been bolstered this year by the Government’s Fast Forward initiative promoting the transformation of the innovative capacity in the food and beverage sector.
“The awards aim to recognise products that set a benchmark in the industry for innovation — showcasing the manufacturers who are leading the way,” he says.

New Master Judge Allyson Gofton will head a team of food industry experts to scrutinise the 2008 entries in 20 categories from which one premier award winner will be selected.

This year the awards process has been simplified so the initial entry is much easier to complete. Entry forms can be found on the website
The awards welcome products developed in the last 18 months for the New Zealand market or for export. All products must be manufactured in New Zealand with a manufacturing base and/or New Zealand address.

The 2006 premier award went to Sealord’s Simply Natural Tender Calamari with Thai style dipping sauce — a simple to prepare, great tasting, healthy product that helped consumers to expand their seafood repertoire. 

Entry forms and the judging criteria and categories for the 2008 Massey University Food Awards are now available on the awards website http://foodawards.massey.ac.nz. Entries close June 6 2008. The Awards will culminate in a gala dinner on October 20 2008, when the winners will be announced.

ENDS

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