Announcing the CHAMPIONS! 2025 Outstanding Food Producer Awards
As the media partner of the Outstanding Food Producer Awards, the dish team are delighted to share this year's Champions!
For nine years, the Outstanding Food Producer Awards have celebrated the inspiring New Zealanders who harvest, grow and produce New Zealand’s outstanding food and drink, and have become one of the most recognised, prestigious quality marks for Kiwi foodies.
In a spectacular awards ceremony last night, we celebrated the 300+ medal-winning products that were recognised for their outstanding quality and innovation this year, then enjoyed the excitement as the Champions of each category were announced!
Explore the winners and their tasting notes below.
LEEFIELD STATION SUPREME CHAMPION
Matangi Prime Meats
Matangi 30-45 Day Dry Aged Sirloin Steak Cutlet
“Cuts like butter. Tender, juicy, melt-in-the-mouth. Unbelievable flavour. Exquisite. Fat beautifully caramelised.”
DISH HERO INGREDIENT CHAMPION
Conscious Valley
Conscious Valley Thick Cut Loin Chops
“The combination of taste and texture was absolutely spot on – the meat was rich, tender and juicy with an earthy sweetness we understand is attributed to the sea-salt swept pastures that the lambs graze on. We’d recommend keeping an eye on the cooking time to ensure pink perfection to experience the lamb at its ultimate best.”
EMERSON’S PADDOCK CHAMPION
Matangi Prime Meats
Matangi 30-45 Day Dry Aged Sirloin Steak Cutlet
A double Champion!
LEEFIELD STATION DAIRY CHAMPION
Island Gelato Co
Island Gelato Co Summer Bombe Alaska Cake
“Total WOW factor for a special occasion. Strong layers of flavour, true to description. Great surprise on the base, pop! Beautiful.”
SEAFOOD NEW ZEALAND SEAFOOD CHAMPION
Waitangi Seafoods
Waitangi Blue Cod Fillets
“Outstanding product, it's simplicity and freshness were great. Beautiful to look at, great flake and tremendous flavour. Congratulations!”
FARRO EARTH CHAMPION
Mandys Horseradish
Mandys Horseradish Sauce
“This product is exactly what it says it is. Hot, sweet, tangy and textural. Judges just loved it.”
LABEL & LITHO DRINKS CHAMPION
Anthea Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Anthea Blush Botanic Spritz
“Judges loved the flavour, with its intense, lengthy after taste. Refreshing with broad appeal. Very well made.”
CHOCOLATE BONBON CHAMPION
Mind Your Temper
Mind Your Temper Spiced Orange Hot X Bons Bonbon
“Top notch production. We get Christmas mince pie - awesome, exciting! Go straight to the top of the class - this is a find!”
CHOCOLATE BEAN-TO-BAR CHAMPION
Lucid Chocolatier
Lucid Chocolatier 52% Sourdough, Brown Butter & Sea Salt
“Top marks! You couldn't have scored a higher mark. The judges’ decision was unanimous. An outstanding bar.”
FREE-FROM CHAMPION
Blue Frog Breakfast
Blue Frog Protein Mango, Macadamia & Toasted Coconut
“Delicious aroma, very tasty, well balanced. Love the mango addition which harmonises well with the coconut and macadamia. Keep making this!”
BYD AUTO NEW ZEALAND SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION
Hōhepa Hawkes Bay
“Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay is an outstanding example of environmental and social sustainability. With a longstanding commitment to organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming, Hōhepa not only produces high-quality food but also provides meaningful employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Impressive sustainability initiatives range from eliminating plastic packaging and introducing solar power to installing a native nursery and restoring wetlands, demonstrating a long-term dedication to people and nature.”
NEW ZEALAND FOOD INNOVATION NETWORK EMERGING BUSINESS CHAMPION
Conscious Valley
Conscious Valley Thick Cut Loin Chops
Also a double Champion!
“Absolutely delicious. Tender and juicy. Pure meat lamb flavour with its own sense of place. Not over trimmed. Incredible. Judges want to go out and buy this product!”
FMCG BUSINESS NEW PRODUCT CHAMPION
Forty Thieves
Forty Thieves Peanut Butter Crunchy
“Very good aroma and texture and the right amount of oil. The nuts were well sized and nicely seasoned with bursts of salt. Had a delicious, creamy texture surrounding the well toasted nuts. Yum!”
BOUTIQUE NEW PRODUCT CHAMPION
The Smoke Shed
Bunneys Worcester Sauce
“Clarity great. Well-balanced flavours. Excellent product.”
COAST NEW ZEALAND FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCER
Akaroa Salmon
COAST KIWIS FAVOURITE FARMERS MARKET
Otago Farmers Market
Keep an eye out for our next issue, on sale May 26, where we will share recipes, insights and profiles on all of the Champions in our very special Champions feature!
Learn more about the Outstanding Food Producer awards here.
latest issue:
Issue #120
As the days become shorter, and the nights cooler, the latest issue is perfectly timed to deliver delicious autumn dishes. From recipes using fresh seasonal produce such as feijoas and apples, to spectacular soothing soups and super-quick after-work meals in our Food Fast section, we’ve got you covered. With Easter on the horizon, we feature recipes that will see you through breakfast, lunch and dinner over a leisurely weekend holiday, and whip up chocolatey baking treats sure to please. We round up delicious dinners for two and showcase a hot new Korean cookbook before heading south to Dunedin to check out all that’s new in food and dining.The latest issue of dish is on sale NOW at all good bookstores and supermarkets – don’t miss it!