Foodstuffs has revealed the top ten finalists for its inaugural Foodstuffs Emerging Supplier Competition, dubbed Foodstuffs Emerge.
The event, jointly hosted by Foodstuffs North Island and South Island, allows small suppliers and innovative grocery start-ups to showcase their products and connect with industry leaders and mentors.
In addition, the platform will also give entrants the chance to launch their products into Foodstuffs’ New World stores across Aotearoa.
Sally Williams, semi-final judge and category manager for Foodstuffs North Island, explained that the competition bridges innovation and consumer demand.
“New Zealand is a hotbed of innovation, and the FMCG industry is no exception,” said Williams. “We’re committed to nurturing home-grown talent and developing an ecosystem that gives grocery creators a platform to succeed.”
As per the competition’s criteria, entrants had to illustrate how their products fill a gap in the market or start a new category. They also had to demonstrate how sustainability was integrated into their development.
The finalists include makers of convenient, healthy, and tasty meal solutions, sustainable vegan and oral care products, umami functional foods, and a nutritious gravy for dogs.
“When we see new products that we instinctively know are going to fill a gap in the market or meet a key customer need, we have a genuine ‘eureka’ moment,” Williams added.
For Justin Waddell, semi-final judge and head of category and promotions for Foodstuffs South Island, one of the competition’s highlights is understanding more about each product’s evolution and the consideration given to sustainability.
“All ten finalists have unique and inspiring stories with sustainability at their heart, whether it’s in the types of products used or expressing a commitment to waste reduction by using packaging that can be reused or recycled,” said Waddell.
“Our finalists have demonstrated that innovation is more than just what goes inside the packaging.”
Foodstuffs has given the finalists a few more weeks to refine and perfect their pitches before the grand finale, which is set to take place on October 13.
Foodstuffs Emerge Finalists
Startup
- Funk with Food – Bacon Jam
- The Gusstop – Shakshuka Sauce – Meal in a Jar
- Morepork BBQ – Hot Smoked Pork Belly
- Solid Oral Care – Toothpaste
- Petite Eats – Dried Infant Food
Small Supplier
- Chur Bol BBQ – Smoked BBQ Meats
- Pacific Harvest – Wakame Flakes
- Herbivore – Coconut Butter
- Fussy Dog – Instant Gravy for Dogs
- King’s Creamery – Mango Lassi
