Twice as many products were entered into the seafood category as last year. Photo: Supplied / Jay Creaghan
Winners of the Outstanding Food Producer Awards have been announced.
The awards recognise excellence and innovation in food and non-alcoholic drink production.
There were 405 products judged this year over seven categories.
Among the winners were Conscious Valley Cap for its On Lamb Rack, with the judges saying, "Amazing, succulent mouthfeel. Tender and juicy. Fresh, clean taste…".
The company had five cuts of lamb take out gold awards.
Head judge Lauraine Jacobs said: "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."
Nine different honeys have won gold awards and in the dairy category, 20 icecream and gelatos won gold.
Last year the Outstanding Food Producer Awards merged with the NZ Chocolate Awards. Nine chocolates in the 'bean to bar' category, ranging from 48 percent to 100 percent chocolate, took out gold.
The selection of gold winning seafood included pāua, blue cod, crayfish, mussels and salmon.
Organisers said they were happy to see a significant increase in the Seafood New Zealand, Seafood category - twice as many as 2024.
Products that were free-from gluten, dairy or other things, were also judged and three of Island Gelato Co flavours were among gold winners.