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OUTSTANDING NZ FOOD PRODUCER AWARDS CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCED Producers from Raglan to Wanaka were among the Champions in this year’s Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, with Wairarapa’s Homegrown Farm Fresh Meats named Supreme Champion 2021. Homegrown Farm Fresh Meats Mixed Box - Beef & Lamb is the work of couple Dion and Ali Kilmister, who run 1500 head of cattle and 15,000 sheep on three farms spread over the lower North Island. As well as farming, in September 2019 they became retailers establishing Homegrown Butchery, Deli and Pantry, a bricks and mortar butcher’s shop, deli and pantry in Masterton which also has as an online store. Wairarapa business Tora Collective was named Seafood New Zealand Water Champion for its fresh pāua. Commercial fisher Troy Bramley and his Wairarapa’s Homegrown Farm Fresh Meats was named Supreme Champion 2021. partner, marketer Claire Edwards say the realisation the best seafood from NZ waters wasn’t destined for Aotearoa prompted them to set up Tora Collective. They fish sustainably off the southern Wairarapa coast with the aim of supplying ‘kaimoana fresh as, straight from the ocean’. Tora Collective was also recognised with the NZ Life & Leisure Spirit of New Zealand Award. Their commitment to the environment extends to their packaging which is recyclable or compostable. They use seaweed to stop live seafood from moving in transit and fill robust bull kelp with water then freeze it, using it as a natural ice pack. Farro Earth Champion is Augustine’s of Central for its Black Doris Plums in Pinot Noir Syrup. The champion title accompanies this year’s pair of gold medals for Augustine’s of Central Black Doris Plums in Pinot Noir Syrup and Augustine’s of Central Apricot & Date Chutney. Emerson’s Dairy Champion Award went to ViaVio for their Mascarpone. Emerson’s Dairy Champion was awarded to ViaVio for their Mascarpone, which is made traditionally and impressed the judges with its creamy texture and rich buttery flavour. ViaVio also won gold medals in late 2017, the bespoke gelato maker has become known for its for their pecorino and yoghurt plus silver medals for ricotta abundance of dairy-free options. and stracchino. The Covid Outstanding New Business Award went to Bake ‘n Break The FMCG Business New Product Award went to Loaf Salted Caramel for their Cheese Burger Slider Bake. Bake ‘n Break was born during a Brownie Balls. Zoom strategy meeting during the first week of level four lockdown in Label & Litho Drink Champion is Raglan Food Co, Natural Coconut March 2020. Kefir Drinking Yoghurt. Raglan Food Co’s Apple & Ginger Kefir Drinking The final two awards were chosen by popular public vote; Coast Yoghurt also won a gold medal with silver medals awarded to two other People’s Choice Outstanding Farmers’ Market was Matakana Village new drinking yoghurts in their range. Farmers’ Market, while Oliff Farm Premium Pasture Eggs was voted Pathways Hamlin Road Farm Range received the Outstanding Coast People’s Choice Outstanding Food Producer. Sustainability Award. The organic urban farm supplies fresh produce The Awards involved 30 judges who assessed a record 300 plus food and seedlings to its South Auckland community – and also employs and and drink entries from 126 producers in April. trains people recovering from addiction and mental health challenges, Look out for winning products wearing champion, gold, silver and giving them vocational training, work experience and support. bronze Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards medals – a promise of Little ‘Lato, Mango Lassi Dairy-Free Gelato was awarded Free-From produce made in New Zealand, which tastes outstanding! Champion. Since being founded by Chief Gelato Maker Hannah Wood https://outstandingfoodproducer.co.nz/2021-winners 28
FMCG BUSINESS - JULY 2021