Announcing the medal winners - 2025 Outstanding Food Producer Awards

As the media partner of the Outstanding Food Producer Awards, the dish team are delighted to share this year's medal winners!

For nine years, the Outstanding Food Producer Awards have celebrated the inspiring New Zealanders who harvest, grow and produce New Zealand’s outstanding food and drink, and have become one of the most recognised, prestigious quality marks for Kiwi foodies.

Across two spectacular days of judging at the NEFF Showroom in Parnell in February, 27 judges – headed by Lauraine Jacobs – reviewed, sniffed and tasted a record 405 product entries. Over 300 products were recognised for their outstanding quality and innovation, receiving medals in the 2025 awards.

Head Judge Lauraine Jacobs was particularly impress by the Emersons Paddock category this year; “It’s almost overwhelming to observe the strength and high quality, particularly in the Paddock category - dairy and meat medal winners were truly outstanding. Care taken on the farm is reflected in taste, texture and exceptional cuts of beef and lamb, with some of the most tender juicy meat I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Our farmers have invested in care of the land and this was also obvious in the dairy assessment. And we loved the fresh, vital fresh fruit and vegetable entries.”

The Free-From category saw its largest number of entries ever, with 73 products competing. This category received 21 gold medals, with highlights including remarkable gluten free and dairy free products showcasing excellence catering to dietary needs.

Each year, more than 3,000,000 Outstanding Food Producer Awards stickers are added to products across New Zealand, providing confidence for consumers to buy local, and buy outstanding! Keep a look out in your local supermarkets and food stores, and grab some winning products for your own table.

High-scoring gold medal winners are now in the running for Category Champion Awards, which will be announced at the Champions Party at The Glasshouse, Auckland on Thursday 10 April 2025. The Leefield Station Supreme Champion and the first ever dish Hero Ingredient Champion will also be announced at the Champions Party.

We look forward to sipping, tasting, writing and photographing up a storm as we prepare to showcase the Champions on our platforms in April and May! dish will be providing extensive coverage of the Champions in our next issue and online, including features on winners, behind-the-scenes insights, bespoke recipes and exclusive interviews.