The annual Woolworths New Zealand Supplier Awards took place at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, recognising companies across the food and grocery sector for their performance, innovation, and contribution to sustainability.
The event highlighted 20 category winners selected from 54 finalists, acknowledging suppliers for their role in maintaining product quality, improving efficiency, and strengthening partnerships within the national supply chain.
Woolworths NZ Managing Director Sally Copland said the awards recognise the ongoing collaboration between suppliers and retailers. "Strong, collaborative relationships are crucial. Together, we service millions of customers every day across the country, and we succeed together when we provide better customer experiences," she said.
GrapeCo was named Fresh Supreme Supplier of the Year, recognised for its work in fresh produce and its sustainability initiatives, including a reusable crate trial that removed more than 60 tonnes of packaging from the company's value chain. Mondelēz New Zealand received the Packaged Supreme Supplier of the Year award for its performance and operational resilience across multiple retail and supply networks.
Other awards included Fruit and Vegetable Supplier of the Year, which went to GrapeCo, and Bakery Supplier of the Year, awarded to Breadcraft Wairarapa (Rebel Bakehouse NZ). MaxFoods was recognised as Meat and Seafood Supplier of the Year, while Fonterra was named Perishables and Delicatessen Supplier of the Year and also received the Customer Insights Driven Supplier of the Year award.
Darren Lobb of Hellers received Fresh Account Manager of the Year, and Nestlé Purina was named Grocery Non-Food and General Merchandise Supplier of the Year. Vitaco took the title of Pharmacy, Health and Body Supplier of the Year, and Hancocks was named Liquor Supplier of the Year. Simplot received Grocery – Pantry and Freezer Supplier of the Year, while Mondelēz New Zealand also earned Grocery – Beverages and Impulse Supplier of the Year.
Amanda Collier from Suntory Oceania was recognised as Packaged Account Manager of the Year, and Taryn Aspeling from Heinz Watties received the Integrated Supply Planner of the Year award. Essity Australasia was awarded Sustainability Partner of the Year, while Body Science (BSc) took the Small Supplier of the Year title.
Harriet Butler from Scalzo received Woolworths Food Company Technical Manager of the Year, and Elke Hansen from Neat Meat was recognised as Woolworths Food Company NPD Manager of the Year. The Woolworths New Zealand Own Brand Product of the Year went to Woolworths Wakame Seaweed Pork Sausages, produced by Neat Meat.
The awards reflected performance across product categories, including fresh produce, packaged goods, meat, seafood, and grocery, with a focus on innovation and operational improvement within New Zealand's retail supply chain.
For more information:
Woolworths
Tel: +64 (0) 800 40 40 40
Email: [email protected]
www.woolworths.co.nz
