ARTISANS OF AOTEAROA

THE WINNERS OF THE FIFTH OUTSTANDING NZ FOOD PRODUCER AWARDS MAKE SOME OF THE MOST DELICIOUS FOOD EVER TASTED. SALUTE THE MEDALLISTS AND WINNERS AND SUPPORT THEM BY BUYING THEIR GOURMET TREATS

Celebrating success at the fifth Outstanding New Zealand Food Producer Awards

DID NEW ZEALANDERS spend lockdown developing new food and drinks? It appears so — there’s been a steep increase in the number of entries for this year’s Outstanding New Zealand Food Producer Awards to more than 300, up 26 per cent on the 2020 awards. It took many hours of dedicated work by 34 judges, 12 stewards and four cooks to choose the 72 gold, 90 silver and 65 bronze medalists. The five category champions are selected from these medal winners, and from those five champions, the supreme champion is awarded.

The continuous innovation in this area saw many new products assessed this year. The diverse range included pāua and quality meat from Wairarapa, cod from the Chatham Islands, sauces and chutneys from Northland to Central Otago, nut butters, speciality cheeses, lamb and beef from Taupō, pōhutukawa-smoked meat, gourmet sausages, charcuterie, salmon, eggs, artisan chocolate, A2 milk and cream, and decadent ice creams and gelato. Supporting our local producers is more important than ever. The better the quality of food we consume, the healthier we will be as individuals and the more robust our economy. There is increasing financial pressure on many producers, particularly the rising costs of land, rates, and labour. Let’s support them and enjoy the wonderful array of deliciousness they produce.

Head judge Lauraine Jacobs says New Zealanders are buying, cooking with and eating more locally grown and made products than ever. “The effort, thought and expertise that goes into [entrants’] work was evident as our panel tasted and examined so many delicious, exciting, new and well-established products. Congratulations to our worthy and deserving medal winners. You represent the very best of New Zealand food.”