Waikato’s Magills Butchery Ltd proved the ultimate champion at the 2015 New Zealand Food Awards, in association with Massey University.
It claimed the accolade of the Massey University Supreme Award, with its ‘Magills Slow-Cooked Pulled Hereford Beef’. Judges were particularly impressed at the ‘haute cuisine’ presentation of the beef and the great flavour and texture of the product.
A statement from the organisers says judging was particularly challenging this year with a 40 percent increase in entries compared to 2014. A total of 150 products from 79 food and beverage producers ranging from niche operators to large scale producers all vied to take out the top spots.
Overall, 13 products from food producers, service providers and ingredient suppliers stood out from the rest.
Other winners in this year’s competition included Blue Frog Breakfast Ltd in the convenience section with its ‘Kaipara Kumara, Maple and Mixed Spiced Cereal’; The Lovely Little Food Co in the frozen section with its ‘I Love Pies Really Good Sausage Rolls’; and Dr Feelgood Ltd in the indulgent section with its ‘Hand Made Ice Pops – Raspberry, Lime and Coconut’.
The Ministry for Primary Industries New Cultivars/Primary Producers Award was snapped up by NZ Hothouse Ltd with its ‘Strawberry Tom’, and Tasman Bay Food Group took out the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Export Innovation Award with its classic ‘Juicies Tubes’. With a strong presence from Auckland-based food manufacturers, Nelson and Waikato were also well represented in the winners’ line up.
Massey University Assistant Vice-Chancellor – External Relations, Penelope Barr-Sellers, says the quality of entries was higher than ever, reflecting the growth and excellence of New Zealand’s food and beverage industry.
“It’s great to see such exciting new products from large and small companies from all around New Zealand,” she says.
“Massey University is proud to provide a forum to recognise and showcase food industry innovation and excellence”.
For the full list of winners, see www.foodawards.co.nz.