NZ Life & Leisure Spirit of New Zealand Award

Premium Game

Presenting this special award, NZ Life & Leisure editorial director Kate Coughlan said Premium Game was a great example of a sustainable business. “We were struck by the company's innovative approach to business: it utilises wild game as quality food. These pest populations such as rabbit, venison, wild pork and tahr are introduced species and they pose a great danger to our fragile ecosystems. Premium Game works with skilled hunters and butchers to prepare the meat for the market, and in a sustainable way that allows consumers to feel good about enjoying meat  and in so doing help control pests. Everybody wins, and most importantly, the environment.”

Marvellous Marketing Sustainability Award

Raglan Food Co

Sustainability judges Emily King and Fiona Stephenson said ‘Raglan Food Co continues to raise the bar. It's a leader in its sector and a shining light for others to follow. What stands out is its continuous innovation and commitment to community. Sustainability has been integrated into the way the business operates from the start. It is certified as a B Corp and Toitū Climate Positive. Particularly impressive are its social initiatives, which include a staff profit share programme, staff health and wellbeing fund, and a local community fund. Raglan Food Co has an ongoing focus on innovation, which includes products as well as other initiatives, such as wastewater treatment. It is a truly impressive company that started small with organic coconut yoghurt, and is now transforming the dairy-free sector.’

Marvellous Marketing Emerging Business

Links Quality Meats

Since Links Quality Meats opened in Dunedin’s CBD in early 2022 it has developed a reputation with locals for quality cuts and for its sausages of which they rotate 50 recipes which they make instore. Judges tasted Links Organwurst and Tube Burger sausages, awarding both Gold Medals. Of the Organwurst Sausage the judges said “Innovative and unique. Perfectly seasoned. Everyone would have a crack at this sausage, friendly. Great grind. Judges embracing this product.’

FMCG Business Outstanding New Product

Big Glory Bay Fresh New Zealand King Salmon Portions

Rakiura/Stewart Island salmon farm Big Glory Bay is one of the world’s most remote aquaculture farms. The cool water temperature of around 12degC means growth of its Big Glory Bay New Zealand King Salmon is slow, giving it time to develop a rich, distinctive flavour. The judges noted the salmon was ‘Very clean, sweet flavour. Fine texture and delicious.’

Marvellous Marketing Outstanding New Product - Boutique

Augustines of Central, Blackcurrants in Cassis

No stranger to the winners podium, they were Farro Earth Champion in 2021 for Augustine’s of Central Black Doris Plums in Pinot Noir Syrup. Owned by Dunedin chef Gus Hayden, Augustines of Central revives the age-old art of preserving, by giving Central Otago’s summer bounty a modern twist. Of this year’s Blackcurrants in Cassis, the judges said ‘Amazing flavour.’