The New Zealand Food Awards is an annual programme of activity that celebrates food and beverage excellence.The New Zealand Food Awards are owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and have been supporting food and beverage producers in Aotearoa for over 35 years. Massey University's ownership of the New Zealand Food Awards stems from the role it plays at the forefront of food-related education and research in Aotearoa New Zealand, and globally. It reflects the university's commitment to promoting innovation in the food industry and supporting the growth and development of this important sector of New Zealand's economy. Massey University is home to the largest collection of pilot-scale food processing equipment in the Southern Hemisphere. From food science and product development to nutrition and dietetics, as well as farming and horticulture, Massey University's name is synonymous with New Zealand's innovative food sector and has been for decades.Represented by New Zealand's leading food and beverage experts, the judging panel is a cross-section of the industry bringing technical, culinary, scientific, and commercial experts into the awards. The awards follow a rigorous judging process, assessing technical capability, food quality and safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer acceptability. This ensures a rigorous judging process supported by diverse opinions and perspectives, which is crucial when critically considering the best of what Aotearoa has to offer. The awards are supported by our Partner Network consisting of industry experts from government agencies, industry associations, and businesses that play critical roles in the New Zealand food and beverage value chain. The network delivers the resources and support producers need, to continue developing products at the forefront of the industry.Entries open 1-31 May 2024.