Auckland food producers win big at NZ Food Awards

Auckland food producers have flexed their culinary muscle at the 2016 New Zealand Food Awards, scooping more than half of all awards announced at last night’s prestigious gala dinner.

The awards, which are organised by Massey University, were unveiled before an audience of 400 guests at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Entries for the awards were up 62 per cent on last year, making for intense competition. Eight of the 13 awards were won by companies based in the Auckland region:

· Blue Frog Breakfast – Zesty Orange Syrup (Artisan Food Producer Award in association with Supermarket News)

· Something to Crow About – Roasted Seed Range and The Larder Project – Sesame and Linseed Bread received Artisan Highly Commended

· Villa Maria – Villa Maria Private Bin Lighter Rose 2016 (FoodHQ Beverages Award)

· Barkers of Geraldine – New York Mustard Relish (Dry Good Award)

· Fonterra Brands (Tip Top) – Kapiti Feijoa and Pear Sorbet (Frozen Award)

· Life Health Foods NZ Ltd – Bean Supreme Kumara Burger (Massey University Health and Wellness Award)

· Spring Sheep Milk Co. – Sheep Whole Mike Powder (MPI Primary Sector Product Award)

· Open Country Dairy Ltd (MPI Food Safety Culture Award)

· Constellation Brands (Business Innovation Award)

Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) supported the 2016 New Zealand Food Awards, and a number of Auckland-based winners and finalists.

Patrick McVeigh, ATEED General Manager Business, Innovation & Skills says the diversity of products that were recognised at the awards reflects the Auckland region’s expansive food offering.

“Auckland’s food and beverage sector contributes around $3.1 billion a year to the regional economy, with exports accounting for 30% of Auckland’s total,” he says.

“ATEED works with food producers to commercialise their products. Four winners, Villa Maria, Barkers of Geraldine, Life Health Foods NZ Ltd, and Spring Sheep Milk Co. have trialed their products through The FoodBowl – Te Ipu Kai; a state-of-the-art food production facility where new products are tested for domestic and export opportunities.”

“Something to Crow About was also one of 30 businesses that exhibited on the ATEED ‘Made of Auckland’ stand at this year’s Food Show,” says Patrick McVeigh.

“Congratulations to all the businesses that have been recognised at the awards, which produce the kind of high quality food and beverage products that are synonymous with the Auckland region.”

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