Clevedon Buffalo Co has been named Supreme Champion of the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards 2018, with a further eight food businesses receiving awards recognising the outstanding quality of their produce.
The food producers were named New Zealand’s finest after 186 food products from 100 producers were assessed by a panel of judges in March. The majority of judging marks were for aroma, taste, and quality, with a further 20% for brand story, product and pack design and sustainability.
Shortly after judging, 25 New Zealand food producers received Gold Medals and a further 57 received Silver. Champions were chosen from the highest scoring Gold Medal winners.
Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards 2018 Champions
Supreme Champion; Clevedon Buffalo Co – Clevedon Marinated Buffalo Cheese (Auckland)
Fresh.co.nz Dairy Champion; Clevedon Buffalo Co – Clevedon Marinated Buffalo Cheese (Auckland)
Ara Wines Paddock Champion; Homegrown Farm Fresh Meats – Gourmet Whole Lamb Box (Wairarapa)
Farro Earth Champion; The Clareville Bakery – Miche Sourdough (Masterton)
Water (Sea/fresh water) Champion; Genevieve’s Mahurangi Oyster Mousse (Auckland)
Special Awards
NZ Life & Leisure Spirit of New Zealand – Turk’s Poultry – Turk’s Corn-Fed Free Range Fresh Butterflied Chicken Sriracha Chilli & Lime (Foxton)
T & G Global Outstanding Sustainability Award – Jersey Girl Organics A2 Organic Milk (Waikato)
Label & Litho Outstanding Pack Design – The Lucky Taco Habanero Hot Sauce (Auckland)
FMCG Business Outstanding New Product – The Whole Mix Spiralised Vegetable Noodle Range (Marton)
Marvellous Marketing Outstanding Drink – Hill Road Fresh Orange Juice (Gisborne)
More about the FMCG Business Outstanding New Product
Judges loved the convenience of The Whole Mix Spiralised Vegetable Noodle Range, saying they were well made and delicious, making vegetables accessible and fun, even for kids.
The Whole Mix Spiralised Zucchini Noodles received a Gold Medal and The Whole Mix Spiralised Butternut Noodles and The Whole Mix Spiralised Noodle Medley both were awarded Silver Medals.
The People’s Choice (chosen by popular online vote by food lovers)
Coast Outstanding Producer – Clevedon Herbs and Produce (Auckland)
Coast Outstanding Product – Lakes Farm Classic NZ Steak with Aged Gouda (Waikato)
New Zealand’s Outstanding Farmers’ Market – Clevedon Farmers’ Market (Auckland)
Shoppers will recognise Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards winners as they will carry champion, gold or silver medal award stickers.
