‘Best of the Best’ in Kiwi Culinary Excellence Unveiled

NZ FOOD AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED for 2015
‘Best of the Best’ in Kiwi Culinary Excellence Unveiled at Official Awards Dinner

The winners of the 2015 New Zealand Food Awards, in association with Massey University, were last night unveiled at a gala dinner at the Auckland Town Hall with more than 300 guests eager to hear who is the cream of the crop in NZ’s food and beverage sector.

Judging was particularly challenging this year with a 40% increase in entries compared to 2014. A total of 150 products from 79 food and beverage producers ranging from niche operators to large scale producers all vied to take out the top spots.

Overall, 13 products from food producers, service providers and ingredient suppliers stood out from the rest.

Waikato’s Magills Butchery Ltd proved the ultimate champion, claiming the accolade of the Massey University Supreme Award, with its ‘Magills Slow-Cooked Pulled Hereford Beef’. Judges were particularly impressed at the ‘haute cuisine’ presentation of the beef and the great flavour and texture of the product.

Other winners in this year’s competition included Blue Frog Breakfast Ltd in the convenience section with its ‘Kaipara Kumara, Maple and Mixed Spiced Cereal’; The Lovely Little Food Co in the frozen section with its ‘I Love Pies Really Good Sausage Rolls’; and Dr Feelgood Ltd in the indulgent section with its ‘Hand Made Ice Pops - Raspberry, Lime and Coconut’.

The Ministry for Primary Industries New Cultivars/Primary Producers Award was snapped up by NZ Hothouse Ltd with its ‘Strawberry Tom’, and Tasman Bay Food Group took out the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Export Innovation Award with its classic ‘Juicies Tubes’. With a strong presence from Auckland-based food manufacturers, Nelson and Waikato were also well represented in the winners’ line up.

Massey University Assistant Vice-Chancellor – External Relations, Penelope Barr-Sellers, says the quality of entries was higher than ever, reflecting the growth and excellence of New Zealand’s food and beverage industry.

“It’s great to see such exciting new products from large and small companies from all around New Zealand,” she says.

“Massey University is proud to provide a forum to recognise and showcase food industry innovation and excellence”.

Judges at this year’s NZ Food Awards, food writer Nici Wickes and Auckland restauranteur Geoff Scott, were thoroughly impressed by the products presented for judging.

Nici Wickes says, “It was a difficult job deciding on the winners, as the creativity, innovation, quality and taste of the products entered this year has been exceptional.”

“This is indicative of the forward-thinking nature of New Zealand’s food industry, and the NZ Food Awards really are at the forefront of this innovation.”

“The winners should be congratulated on a job well done.”

The NZ Food Awards are made possible thanks to Massey University and the family of strategic and supporting partners: Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), AsureQuality, Countdown, FoodHQ, Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, Rabobank, The Foodbowl, The New Zealand Herald and Villa Maria.

For the full list of winners, please visit www.foodawards.co.nz.

ENDS

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