“We want options so that everyone can experience the joy of gelato, we have gluten-free options and vegan options which are just as indulgent as others”

Matangi 30-45 Day Dry Aged Sirloin Steak Cutlethas been crowned Leefield Station Supreme Champion and Emerson's Paddock Champion at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards 2025. This recognition highlights Matangi ‘s innovative approach to farming, emphasising land stewardship and a commitment to quality from the farm gate to the plate.

Where rural vistas and rolling vineyards fall toward the Pacific, a couple’s passion for chocolate has blossomed into an award-winning venture. Honest Chocolat, from Matakana maestros Nicolas and Emily Bonnaud, is yet another example of Kiwi producers’ knack for tempering their dreams into reality.

A simple ‘what if’ has led to a smoked mussel taste sensation. With Zarn Reichardt aka The Kutai Guy sourcing live mussels for farmers to grow to 12-18 months before he and his team shell, process, smoke, package, and ship them around the country.

Nestled in the heart of Central Otago, among landscape painted with the hues of rolling orchards and rugged mountains, lies a hidden gem. Anna Cameron's Kitchen Window Catering has blossomed into a charming cafe within Jackson Orchards, Cromwell. Here you can savour the award-winning preserves that have earned Anna gold three times at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards. The cafe invites you to indulge in flavours crafted with love and local ingredients. It's more than a cafe; it's a celebration of the region's bounty and a testament to Anna's passion for preserving the essence of Central Otago.

From Covid lockdown to a seed cracker revolution - the story behind the Outstanding medal winning Kiki Seed Crackers.

After falling head over heels for gelato in Sydney, Ana Schwarz founded Island Gelato in 2014. Since then, Island Gelato has become known for its amazing flavour, finding success in many realms, including being awarded four medals in this year’s Outstanding New Zealand Food Producer Awards.

Settle in for the story of Meyer Cheese, a journey from a hay shed in Holland to being one of New Zealand’s most awarded cheesemakers and recognised for their amazing Dutch-style Gouda. On a journey of innovation in 2023 they added Old Master King of Parmesan, as a homage to co-founder Ben Meyer, collecting a Silver Medal at the 2023 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards.

Nestled in Central Otago’s Cardrona Valley you’ll find Branch Creek Honey, which has found great success in the Outstanding New Zealand Food Producer Awards. Branch Creek Creamed Clover Blend won a silver medal this year as well as in 2021.

In the first year of business and the first time they entered awards, Bonnie’s Slade’s Naturkidz was named 2024 Outstanding Food Producer Awards Free-From Champion for its Fruit Crispz range. What’s more they had four Gold Medals bestowed upon the product too. A Nelson mother of two, Bonnie wanted a healthy product for school lunch boxes - that wouldn’t return home at the end of the day. NaturKidz starts with good-quality but blemished fruit that would usually end up in landfill creating a healthy, minimally processed, no additive, no preservative snack.

A tale about how buying a business in retirement takes on a life of its own and how the dedication of Juliet and Alasdair McLeod built the business and created Outstanding Food Producer Award-winning smoked products. They won a Gold Medla in 2023 with the The Wee Smokehouse, Gravadlax  and a Silver Medal with their The Wee Smokehouse, Cold Smoked Salmon.

Meet {Outstanding} Makers Ann-Marie and Darren Nicholas who have turned their humble garage into Mummys Yummys award-winning cookie haven. A multi-year, multi-medal winner in 2024, Mummys Yummys clinched gold at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards, solidifying their status as New Zealand’s premier biscuit barons.

You’ll find year on year Coast Kiwis’ Favourite Food Producer and multi-medal winner Lindsay Farm among the quiet flats that separate the Ruahines from the coast, where their healthy cows and healthy milk reign supreme.

Mind Your Temper vegan Black Forest Bonbon described by judges as ‘faultless’ has been named Leefield Station Supreme Champion and Bonbon Champion at this 2024 Outstanding Food Producer Awards. The Outstanding Food Producer Awards judges said the Bonbon had ‘Perfect gloss and shine. Outstanding developed flavour. Exemplary. Amazing flavour journey. Faultless.’

The Nut Baron is one of those for whom the uncertainty of the pandemic lead to a new food career. Since then his German-inspired flavoured nuts have been recognised with six Outstanding Food Producer Awards medal wins.

Raglan’s Lucy Donaldson has found success with her gluten-free bread range which specialises in creating fresh, delicious gluten-free breads, ensuring those with allergies or gluten intolerance can enjoy quality breads and baked goods.

A Waikato brand with almost 40 years of history has a new look and fresh energy thanks to the enthusiasm of new owners and the boost of winning three medals in the 2023 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards.

The first time the ONZFPA judges tasted Matangi Angus Beef in 2022, they loved it so much they awarded a Gold Medal for Matangi Bone In Ribeye Tomahawk Steak saying ‘Grassfed pure beef with 'beefiness' Juicy, moist, thanks to the incredible marbling...Flavours mellowed and balanced.’

A multiyear Outstanding NZ Food Producer winner with a swathe of medals, Kimberly Bell’s candy-making may not have started if it wasn’t for the support of her mother and her sudden, devastating loss.

High Country Salmon has received two Outstanding New Zealand Food Producer awards, earning a 2021 Gold Medal for Salmon Gravadlax and a 2022 Silver Medal for their Beetroot Cold Smoked Salmon with the judges noting the nice texture and lovely deep colour of their salmon