New Zealand’s largest pet food manufacturer, ZIWI, has been crowned Exporter of the Year at the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards.
ZIWI picked up the supreme honour last night (August 1st) in front of a sell-out crowd in Hastings at the Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre.
Judges praised ZIWI as a global success story, recognising their contributions from Hawke’s Bay to the world. The company exports to 35 countries and employs 450 staff.
Like so many Hawke’s Bay businesses, ZIWI had to rebuild their 12,500 square metre plant after the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle, a $100m plus investment. It hasn’t stifled their innovation, with judges recognising the company’s mastery of complex production techniques.
“They spearhead world leading research into the linkage between pet food and animal health,” said the judges.
“From product, to packaging, to marketing and reaching customers around the globe, ZIWI impressed across all levels of a business.”
The Napier company also won the T&G Global Best Established Business Award.
Last night’s ceremony at Toitoi marked the 10th anniversary of the awards, attracting a record crowd.
Trade Minister Todd McClay opened the event, while ASB Head of International Trade Mike Atkins presented ZIWI with the overall award.
“We are extremely proud to have reached ten years of celebrating some of the country’s most innovative and inspiring companies and the achievements of the Hawke’s Bay export sector,” said Atkins.
“It was particularly inspiring to see the level of innovation being adopted by many exporters, including some world firsts. Congratulations to all this year’s finalists and award winners – the region should be proud of these amazing achievements.”
The awards celebrate exporting excellence across Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, recognising the achievements of local businesses whose accomplishments stretch across the globe.
Export NZ Hawke’s Bay Regional Manager Amanda Liddle said: “After 10 years of the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards, we continue to have outstanding finalists and winners. We are also fortunate to have the support of our wonderful sponsors, many of whom have been with us from the beginning.
“We are also delighted by the high calibre of judges, who also return each year. We are grateful for their time – a huge amount of work and preparation goes in ahead of the awards evening to make sure exporters receive the recognition they deserve.
“Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne boast a huge range of export talent and, as ever, it was incredibly difficult to determine who should win each award. My congratulations to all the winners.”
The awards also recognised two individuals and one organisation for their work behind the scenes. The Napier Port Unsung Heroes Award went to Stu Hutchinson, Factory Manager for New Zealand Frost Fans, and Kay Willan, RSE Manager for FreshCo.
In a first for this award, the New Zealand Defence Force was also named an Unsung Hero, recognised for their outstanding contribution to the region during Cyclone Gabrielle. Major Timothy Cocks and Warrant Officer 2nd Class George Alexander accepted the award on behalf of NZDF.
Full list of winners:
- 2024 ASB Hawke’s Bay Exporter of the Year: ZIWI
- ContainerCo Best Emerging Exporter Award: Rare New Zealand
T&G Global Best Established Business Award: ZIWI - Southeast Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence in Innovation Award: Taylor Corporation
- Newstalk ZB / Hawke’s Bay Today Excellence in Sustainability: Kiwi Crunch
- Judges’ Choice Award: FrostBoss®, NZ Frost Fans
- Unsung Heroes Award: Stu Hutchinson, NZ Frost Fans; Kay Willan, Freshco; NZ Defence Force
Media Release: ExportNZ
Read the full Media Release here.
Related article: Pet food giant Ziwi crowned Hawke’s Bay ASB Exporter of The Year