Foodeast Haumako is all about supporting innovation in our food, beverage, and agritech businesses – and celebrating their successes.
The team has scoured the internet to put together a list of New Zealand food, beverage and hospitality awards that come up annually, and when applications are expected to open. The information is based on previous data (as most awards organisers don’t have their 2025 years available yet), so business owners and managers looking to enter need to check the website provided, or get in touch with the organiser. You can see the spreadsheet here.
Why enter awards?
Participating in industry awards can significantly benefit businesses, providing a robust platform for producers to showcase their innovation and excellence and enabling producers to highlight unique products to consumers and industry.
Foodeast Haumako chief executive Michael Bassett-Foss says entering industry awards can provide businesses with a range of strategic benefits that extend beyond simply winning.
One of the biggest advantages is enhanced credibility and brand recognition. Whether it’s a product innovation award, sustainability recognition, or a hospitality accolade, being a finalist or winner signals to customers, partners, and investors that your business meets or exceeds industry standards. This kind of third-party validation can be a game-changer in competitive markets, providing a trust factor that differentiates your brand from competitors.
Michael Bassett-Foss, Foodeast Haumako Chief Executive
He goes on to say “More broadly, the process of entering awards encourages businesses to reflect on their strengths, innovations, and achievements. Writing an award submission often requires businesses to articulate their unique value proposition, assess their performance, and benchmark against others in the industry.” This can lead to valuable internal insights, improved storytelling, and the identification of growth opportunities. Moreover, it can serve as a morale boost for employees, reinforcing their contributions and fostering a sense of pride in their work.
From a marketing and business development perspective, awards can open doors to new opportunities, says Mr Bassett-Foss. “Winners and finalists often benefit from media exposure, industry networking, and promotional opportunities that might otherwise be costly to secure. Even without winning, being associated with reputable awards can increase brand visibility, attract new customers, and strengthen partnerships. Over time, a track record of award recognition can build long-term brand equity, positioning a business as a leader in its field and making it more attractive to both customers and investors.”