Innovative Kiwi food production is in excellent health if the record-breaking number of entries for the 2025 Outstanding Food Producer Awards are anything to be judged by.
Over 400 products from 135 producers will be assessed at the NEFF Showroom in Parnell on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February 2025. Following the blind judging, medal winners will be named on Tuesday 18 March and the overall champions will be announced on April 10.
This year marks an exciting new chapter with the second consecutive record number of entries, supported by the new judging venue at the NEFF showroom and collaboration with a new media partner, popular consumer food magazine, dish.
Outstanding Food Producer Awards co-owner Kathie Bartley says: “We’re delighted to be working with the team at dish and credit their help promoting entry which has resulted in many new food producers taking part. Additionally, we’re pleased to have many past entrants sending products for assessment.”
Awards co-owner Nicola McConnell says they’re encouraged by the diverse range of entries, which feature a strong representation of fresh produce; products designed to be ‘free-from’ traditional ingredients such as sugar, and a strong representation of chocolate bean-to-bar product and bonbons.
Judging Panel
For the ninth year, NZ food industry legend, Lauraine Jacobs, is the Head Judge overseeing the assessment of all 400+ products supported by a panel of leading industry professionals. They are: Sarah Tuck (dish CEO and editor); Claire Aldous (dish food editor); Bridgette Kriehne (chef and NEFF and ambassador); Tamara Rubanowski (editor of FMCG Business and food judge); Kimberley Dixon (editor Hospitality Business); Siobhan Wilson (drinks judge, Leefield Station); Peter Gordon (chef, restaurateur, writer); James Wilkinson (Executive Chef, The Glasshouse); Kathy Paterson (cookbook author and food judge); Renny Aprea (pastry chef and international food judge); Elle Coco (international chocolate judge); Amanda Thompson (Moore Wilson’s, General Manager); Mat Mclean (Palate Restaurant, chef/owner); Connie Clarkson (experienced food judge); Geoff Scott (food judge and AUT Culinary Lecturer); Ginny Grant (food writer ); John Kelleher (AUT Culinary Lecturer); Vicky Tasker (Farro, Content Editor); Johnathon Robertson (Farro, Merchandise Manager); Anna King Shahab (food writer) Kate Underwood (food writer); Nici Wickes (cookbook author and food judge); Alice Taylor (chef and cookbook author); Kerry Tyack (food judge) and Sustainability Judges; Emily King (Director of Spira, author and food systems expert) and Fiona Stephenson (Sustainable Business Network). They will be supported by a team of 11 stewards.
Prestigious Platform
The Outstanding Food Producer Awards celebrate the best of New Zealand’s food and drink producers, recognising excellence and innovation in food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Launched in 2018, the Awards have become a prestigious platform for showcasing the diverse and exceptional offerings of Kiwi food and drink producers to food lovers.
Following judging and adjudication outstanding products are awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals, which will be announced on March 18. Chefs and food lovers can easily find winning produce, with more than three million Outstanding Food Producer Award medal stickers affixed to top products annually. High-scoring Gold Medal winners are in contention for Category Champion Awards to be announced at the Champions Party at The Glasshouse on Thursday 10 April 2025.