Leefield Station Supreme Champion 2025
Matangi, 30-45 Day Dry Aged Sirloin Steak Cutlet
‘Cuts like butter. Tender, juicy, melt-in-the-mouth. Unbelievable flavour. Exquisite...’
So said the Outstanding Food Producer Awards judges after tasting Matangi 30 - 45 Day Dry Aged Sirloin Streak Cutlet, which is Leefield Station Supreme Champion and Emerson’s Paddock Champion 2025.
Hawkes Bay’s Matangi has transformed from a traditional farm into a premium provider of beef and lamb. The journey began in 2014 when Robert Haselsteiner purchased Matangi Station, joining forces with Jamie and Nicky Gaddum, the farm manager and business manager respectively. The trio’s vision for a quality-focused boutique meat producer came to life with the sales of 28 Matangi-born-and-raised animals in 2019. Fast forward to 2024 they established Matangi Boutique Butchery and Showroom in Hastings, providing an exceptional shopping experience with butchery on display and premium cuts in a dry ageing cabinet.
Outstanding Food Producer Awards
Champions 2025
dish Hero Ingredient Champion and
New Zealand Food Innovation Network, Emerging Business Champion
Conscious Valley, Thick Cut Loin Chops
Inaugural dish Hero Ingredient Champion and New Zealand Food Innovation Network Champion is Conscious Valley Thick Cut Loin Chops. This product was chosen by dish CEO & Editor, Sarah Tuck and Food Director, Claire Aldous - who were Awards judges - the accolade celebrates a versatile, quality ingredient that’s a must-have in every Kiwi food lovers’ kitchen. It was also judged as this year’s Emerging Business.
Seafood New Zealand Seafood Champion
Waitangi Seafoods, Blue Cod Fillets
Judges couldn’t fault it saying, ‘Outstanding product, it's simplicity and freshness were great. Beautiful to look at, great flake and tremendous flavour. Congratulations!’ Waitangi Seafoods is a Chatham Islands fish processor and exporter.
Leefield Station Dairy Champion
Island Gelato Co, Summer Bombe Alaska Cake
Outstanding Food Producer Awards multi-year winner Auckland’s Island Gelato Co was named Leefield Station Dairy Champion for Island Gelato Summer Bombe Alaska Cake. Not only did this cake take the judges’ breath away for its delicious appearance, judges commented, ‘Total WOW factor for a special occasion. Strong layers of flavour, true to description. Great surprise on the base, pop! Beautiful.’
Farro Earth Champion
Mandys Horseradish, Horseradish Sauce
Specialist horseradish producer Mandy’s is Farro Earth Champion with Mandys Horseradish Sauce. According to the judging panel; ‘This product is exactly what it says it is. Hot, sweet, tangy and textural. Judges just loved it.’ Artisan producer Mandy Steel grows horseradish on the outskirts of Christchurch, harvesting it and creating a selection of horseradish condiments.
Label & Litho Drink Champion
Anthea Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Blush Botanic Spritz
Label & Litho Drinks Champion Anthea Blush Botanic Spritz is made by Kiwi winemaker Darren Webster, who spent a decade winemaking in California, who made the non-alcoholic pink sparkling by blending schisandra berry, rosemary, lemon balm and thyme. It wowed the judges who said; ‘Judges loved the flavour, with its intense, lengthy aftertaste. Refreshing with broad appeal. Very well made.’
Free-From Champion
Blue Frog Breakfast, Blue Frog Protein Mango, Macadamia & Toasted Coconut
Free-From Champion, Blue Frog Breakfast, Blue Frog Protein Mango, Macadamia & Toasted Coconut is from Auckland B Corp Certified cereal company established by Scotty Baragwanath who was nicknamed Frog growing up because of his long, lanky legs. The judges assessment said: ‘Delicious aroma, very tasty, well balanced. Love the mango addition which harmonises well with the coconut and macadamia. Keep making this!’
Chocolate Bean-to-Bar Champion
Lucid Chocolatier, 52% Sourdough, Brown Butter & Sea Salt Chocolate Bar
The chocolate judging panel – led by Elle Crocker – were blown away by Lucid Chocolatier, 52% Sourdough, Brown Butter & Sea Salt Chocolate Bar. Naming it Chocolate Bean-to-Bar Champion they said; ‘Top marks! You couldn't have scored a higher mark. The judges’ decision was unanimous. An outstanding bar.’
Chocolate Bonbon Champion
Mind Your Temper, Spiced Orange ‘Hot Cross Bons’ Bonbon
2024 Leefield Station Supreme Champion, Mind Your Temper, is a Christchurch bonbon maker extraordinaire who - as by the by - only makes vegan chocolate. The Mind Your Temper Spiced Orange ‘Hot Cross Bons’ bonbon won the chocolate judging panel over; ‘Top notch production. We get Christmas mince pie - awesome, exciting! Go straight to the top of the class - this is a find!’
FMCG Business Outstanding New Product Champion
Forty Thieves, Peanut Butter Crunchy
Founded by Shyr and Brent Godfrey in 2016, Forty Thieves has grown from making one box of nut butter a day to producing around 10,000 jars every week, in its Hibiscus Coast factory. Judges notes said; ‘Very good aroma and texture and the right amount of oil. The nuts were well sized and nicely seasoned with bursts of salt. Had a delicious, creamy texture surrounding the well toasted nuts. Yum!’
New Boutique Product Champion
The Smoke Shed, Bunneys Worcester Sauce
Boutique New Product Champion is The Smoke Shed, Bunneys Worcester Sauce with the judges noting; ‘Well-balanced flavours. Excellent product.’ This recently established Waikato business is making sauces and seasonings.
BYD Auto New Zealand Sustainability Champion
Hōhepa Hawkes Bay
Sustainability judges Emily King and Fiona Stephenson say; ‘Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay is an outstanding example of environmental and social sustainability. With a longstanding commitment to organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming, Hōhepa not only produces high-quality food but also provides meaningful employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Impressive sustainability initiatives range from eliminating plastic packaging and introducing solar power to installing a native nursery and restoring wetlands, demonstrating a long-term dedication to people and nature.’
