Leigh and Hasanthi, founders of The Hemp Butter Co, found success at this year’s Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, receiving a Silver Medal. While the duo has enjoyed this success, their journey getting started was no small feat.

When Robbies Artisan Collection Noir Gärlik, Black Garlic Sauce was named Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards Free From Champion 2022 and received a gold medal, Gore’s Josie Robinson was rewarded for all the trial and error, tears and driving over the past few years.

The West Coast Pie Co was recognised with a Gold and a Silver Medal in the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards 2022.

Oakley’s Baby Golden Gourmet Potatoes were awarded a Medal in 2021 with the judges noting that the gourmet potatoes filled a niche by being small, buttery and golden – and ‘lovely to eat’. It’s this sort of innovation that ensures this multi-generational family business stands apart.

Red Shoots is a great New Zealand story, a purpose-driven drinks maker focusing on sustainably creating nutritious, high-quality products. They achieve this with four ranges of drinks: Daily Good, Good Cocktail Co, Just Fresh Co and Happy Hour Collective. Followers of the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards will recognise Daily Good, as these drinks have won four medals in the Awards since 2018.

Waiheke Herbs is an Outstanding NZ Food Producer multi-award winner, having collected Silver Medals for Waiheke Herb Spread (2018); Waiheke Herbs Aioli with Herbs (2019) and Waiheke Herbs Asian Herb Spread (2020). 2022 marks the a new era for this small producer which founder Wendy Kendall continues to drive with positive energy and good humour.

Multi-year Gold Medal-winning eggs from Chester Road not only taste outstanding but they’re packaged in 50% grass-based cartons.

From the oil industry to artisan chocolate maker, this is the story of Karl Hogarth, founder of Nelson’s award-winning Hogarth Chocolate. The decision to stay home and build his own business turned Nelson’s Karl Hogarth into an avid chocolate-maker.

The Water champions for 2021 are Tora Collective, established by Troy and Claire of Tora Bay in spring of 2019. Their fresh pāua captivated the judges.

The inside story on Emerson’s Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards Dairy Champion 2020 Pure NZ Ice Cream. Anna and Brain from PURE NZ Ice Cream explain how the natural goodness of ingredients creates delicious and original flavours.

Wanaka chef Gus Hayden has revived the age-old art with preserving giving Central Otago summer’s bounty a modern twist. He tells the story about the produce he sells under the Augustine’s brand.

Bostock Brothers are the 2020 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Supreme Champion and Giesen Paddock Champion with their Organic Whole Chicken. Here’s the story about the pair behind the country’s most delicious chooks - Hawke’s Bay brothers Ben and George Bostock.

Take two farming mates and premium A2 milk from the sun-dappled, lush pastures of Nelson and you’ve got award winning Appleby Farms Ice Cream. Appleby Farms flavour guru Kristy Giles tells the story from before the first scoop in December 2017.