Entries open for the 2026 New Zealand Food Awards

Aotearoa New Zealand’s most innovative food and beverage producers are being called to the national stage, with entries now open for the 2026 New Zealand Food Awards.

Now in their 36th year, the New Zealand Food Awards, proudly owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, recognise excellence, innovation and thoughtful consideration of sustainability across New Zealand’s food and beverage sector.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Pierre Venter says the university has a long and well‑earned reputation for leadership across food science, agrifood innovation and commercialisation.

“Our strength lies not only in our academic expertise, but in our deep, long-standing connections with industry, from start‑ups to established global exporters. Massey is uniquely positioned to support the future of New Zealand’s food sector, by recognising ideas that are innovative, market‑ready and future‑focused.”

Professor Venter explains the Awards are entering a new era, that is future‑focused and deeply connected to the sectors and communities they serve.

“The Awards have a unique ability to bring together industry, researchers, students and communities. That connection is vital if we’re to build a resilient, innovative food sector and develop the next generation of talent and leaders.”

The Awards that honour products and the people

Widely regarded as the country’s most credible food awards, the New Zealand Food Awards celebrate the people, ideas and technologies shaping the future of food. They showcase the full breadth of the industry, from fast‑moving consumer goods and ingredient manufacturers to primary producers, artisan makers and start‑ups. This year’s Awards include 12 categories, recognising the products and the people behind the innovation and excellence.

New Head Judge and Massey’s FoodPilot General Manager Nikki Middleditch, says each year we see an incredible depth of innovation across the entries, from established FMCG brands to emergingstart‑ups pushing boundaries.

“The New Zealand Food Awards stand out for the way they celebrate the entire product story - the science, the technical challenge, the creativity and most importantly, the people behind it. It’s this combination that makes the Awards a genuinely unique programme in the sector,” Mrs Middleditch says.

The judging process is recognised for its depth and integrity, drawing on a panel of industry experts with technical, scientific and commercial expertise. Backed by Massey University’s extensive food research infrastructure, entries are evaluated against rigorous criteria, providing entrants with invaluable feedback.

Mrs Middleditch says the strength of the New Zealand Food Awards lies in the clarity and integrity of the judging process.

“Every product is assessed against real-world expectations - how it performs, how it’s made and how it delivers for consumers. For entrants, it’s not just about recognition, but gaining meaningful insight and benchmarking their products against the best in the industry.”

To ensure the Awards continue to reflect the evolving needs of the food and beverage sector, an improved programme will be introduced this year, featuring streamlined processes, clearer and more accessible entry portal, newly defined categories and a brand refresh. Recognising that people are at the heart of food innovation, there will be no entry fee for the Emerging Talent category in 2026.

“We want the New Zealand Food Awards to deliver real value for the businesses taking part. The enhancements we’ve made this year create a smoother, more supportive experience, while maintainingthe independent, high-credibility benchmarking the Awards are known for,” Mrs Middleditch says.

Backed by industry

Massey University’s leadership in food‑related education and research, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally - underpins its role as steward of the New Zealand Food Awards. As a long‑standing centre of excellence in food technology and home to the southern hemisphere’s largest suite of pilot-scale food processing facilities Massey plays a critical role in supporting innovation and capability across the food and beverage sector.

Through its ownership of the Awards, Massey University reinforces its commitment to advancing the industry by connecting cutting‑edge research, product development expertise and real‑worldapplication. The New Zealand Food Awards provide a trusted platform to recognise excellence, while supporting the continued growth and competitiveness of the sector.

The Awards also bring together a  community of producers, judges, researchers, partners and supporters from across the country. This collaborative network celebrates not only outstanding products, but the shared knowledge, relationships and people that drive innovation and success across New Zealand’s food and beverage industry.

The Awards programme continues to be made possible with the support of a valued network of partners.

Organisers are encouraging businesses of all sizes to enter between  and to share the stories behind their products highlighting the creativity, science, passion and people that set New Zealand foodandbeverage apart on the world stage. Entries open Friday 1 May and close on Tuesday 2 June.

2026 Categories

Product Awards

• Artisan
• Beverage
• Chilled/Frozen
• Health and Wellbeing
• Manufacturing and Food Service Ingredient
• Pantry
• Primary Sector
• Product Lifetime Achievement
• Technical Innovation

People Awards

• Emerging Talent: Food Science and Technology
• Food Technologist/Developer of the Year
  

Key Dates

1 May – Entries open

2 June – Entries close

22 – 26 June – Judging week – Products will be judged at Massey’s Manawatū campus in Palmerston North

11 August – Finalists announced

13 October – Gala dinner and winners announced, Shed 10, Auckland, 6.30pm - 11.00pm

Find out more about the New Zealand Food Awards here.