Entries open for NZ Food Awards

Entries are now open for the 2012 NZ Food Awards. Organisers are encouraging all ‘food innovators’ to enter, from boutique producers through to large-scale manufacturers. The awards - held in association with Massey University - recognise creativity in product development, enterprise, food safety and packaging.

“It’s always very exciting to see what new products, flavours and fresh ideas are being created,” said the chief judge, MasterChef New Zealand’s Ray McVinnie. “We have a lot of talent in the New Zealand food industry, particularly among some of the smaller, emerging producers who aren’t afraid to think outside the square.

“I think these awards give us - the judges as well as the public - a chance to witness the collective wonders of our local food industry, which is constantly evolving.”

McVinnie will head a panel of food specialists and food manufacturing industry experts to judge the awards.

This year’s NZ Food Awards sees a new category, with a new sponsor: the Rabobank Business Innovation Award.

Geoff Matthews, 2011 Supreme Award winner, said winning the award has been “very worthwhile for our product, and even more worth it for the export market”. Of the three awards Matthews received, the Food Safety Award has been of particular benefit to his company in exporting to the United States where food safety regulations are very strict.

“The food awards are a great opportunity for New Zealand food and beverage manufacturers and producers to have their products recognised for their excellence,” said Professor Richard Archer, Head of Massey University’s Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health. “So go for it and enter your products; make sure you don’t miss out.”

Entries close on 20 July and judging will take place in early August.