And New Zealand,s best food producers are...

THE COLLECTORS Life above the worry line in Naseby

Producers of the country’s finest boutique foods recently put their best offerings before a panel of sharp-toothed judges looking for the most delicious in each category. Buying products displaying an ONZFPA medal logo is a guarantee of New Zealand-made quality and enjoyment

“WITH MORE ENTRIES than ever before, the judges’ task becomes harder with each competition year by year,” says head judge and food icon Lauraine Jacobs of the mammoth two-day judging challenge that underpins the annual Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards. “Fortuitously, it’s also a source of endless discovery and delight as we taste our way through the more than 300 submitted products. The testing venue sometimes rings with squeals of surprise at both the incredible flavours and the wide range of innovative and traditional entries.” Lauraine says the judges noted the quality and flavours of New Zealand’s fine grass-fed and raised meat this year.

“We were also delighted to see the distant Chatham Island Food Co entering products again. The Pāua

Pie was made in collaboration with the West Coast Pie Company, and it was mouth-watering in a dainty flaky pastry and especially notable.”

She says the judging process sets a high bar, and there were many products, especially when fresh and straight from the farm or ocean, where the judges felt the growers and farmers had reached perfection.