Ideas, ambitions and dreams are important. Following the tremendous success of the New Zealand Food Awards presented by Massey University, we take a look at some of the outstanding talent that was showcased for 2024, highlighting the passion and drive of these five magnificent women in food and drink. We encourage women working within our diverse food-and-drink landscape to join us at wifd.co.nz. Together our voice will be stronger.

Written by Anna Baird

Jenny Zo Yang
Good Chow NZ

Jenny Zo Yang, the mastermind behind Good Chow NZ, envisioned a way to bring joy back to mealtimes. She achieved this by crafting innovative products that can elevate any meal into something extraordinary in under five minutes.

Jenny’s journey began in her childhood, when she witnessed her mother tirelessly preparing quality meals for the family, often too exhausted to savour them. This experience sparked the idea that there must be a better way – thus, Good Chow NZ was born.

“As a mother myself, I wanted to provide nutritious meals and meaningful moments, but balancing both proved challenging. This inspired me to create a condiment that simplifies meal prep without compromising quality, using only the best ingredients, free from preservatives and additives. This mission has driven my passion for over a decade.” Good Chow NZ was a finalist in two categories at the New Zealand Food Awards and the winner of the Cuisine Artisan Award for its New Zealand Wagyu Beef Sauce – Shiitake Mushroom.

“Winning the New Zealand Food Award was definitely my proudest moment this past year! To be recognised for doing what we love, and for doing it right, was validation we didn’t know we needed until the award was announced. Our team was overwhelmed with emotion. We have made a lot of efforts not just in food production and marketing, but also in compliance and sustainability. There is a lot of work that goes into things customers don’t see. The New Zealand Food Awards gave recognition for the entire iceberg, not just the tip that is above water – that is why this award meant so much to us.”

Jenny loves inspiring her customers to be creative by sharing the innovative recipes she prepares. “I want to continue creating, strive to inspire and celebrate the ever-evolving taste of Aotearoa.”

Website goodchownz.com
Instagram @goodchownz
Facebook @goodchownz
LinkedIn @good-chow-nz-limited

Kate Grater
Pierogi Joint

Kate Grater, pierogi princess and the creative force and heart behind Pierogi Joint, has spent a decade crafting the perfect pierogi and turning her dream into a delicious reality.

Kate’s food journey began when she developed a love for diverse culinary offerings at local farmers’ markets. Noticing a lack of Eastern European dumplings – pierogi – Kate envisioned a stall to share these delights. In 2014 Kate sold her first pierogi at the New Brighton Market. It’s been a decade of evolving and learning with Pierogi Joint in her mission to make pierogi in New Zealand that are easily accessible and made from quality ingredients.

“Creating pierogi is not just a job for me; it’s a source of joy and energy. I thrive on being active and productive, whether it’s setting up a commercial kitchen, scaling our business, or nurturing relationships with suppliers, retailers, employees and customers.”

A highlight of Kate’s journey was being named a finalist in two categories at the New Zealand Food Awards, ultimately winning the Below Zero category. “Winning at the 2024 NZ Food Awards was a true moment of achievement for me. I felt seen,” Kate recalls. “All those tireless hours spent alone in my kitchen, picturing a future for my business, culminated in this recognition. Before it all became a reality, there was just a dream, a business plan, and sheer perseverance. Having that recognised by such esteemed members of the innovative food community is a moment I will cherish forever.”

Website pierogijoint.co.nz
Instagram @pierogijoint 
Facebook @pierogijoin

Karina Young
Love Muscle

Karina Young, the visionary founder of Love Muscle – a New Zealand-owned and operated company in Whangārei – is driven by a passion for nutrition and creating beverages that align with an active lifestyle. At Love Muscle, every beverage is crafted with a dedication to nutrition, offering calorie-friendly options to support fitness aspirations.

Frustrated by the lack of convenient, tasty protein drinks on the market, Karina set out to create a sugar- free, low-calorie alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavour. By incorporating premium whey isolate, Love Muscle provides a homegrown solution that simplifies nutrition. With a unique background in bodybuilding, nutrition and business, Karina’s insights infuse every aspect of Love Muscle, making it more than just a brand – it’s a community dedicated to empowering people on their health journeys. Following two wins at the New Zealand Food Awards for her Pineapple Sparkling Protein Water, Karina’s journey is just beginning. “I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved, especially pushing through the challenges and trusting my gut that I could do this. There’s still so much to learn, but I know I have the mindset to grow, expand and stay true to what works for our customers.”

Website lovemuscle.co.nz
Instagram @drinklovemuscle

Diane Stanbra
Rescued Kitchen

Diane Stanbra is a passionate foodie on a mission rooted in a fundamental belief: food should never be wasted. “Food is an incredibly valuable resource that everyone needs; it should be cherished,” she explains. This conviction drives Rescued Kitchen, her groundbreaking company dedicated to combating food waste.

Over the past year, Diane has had much to celebrate. Rescued Kitchen has made a significant impact thanks to visionary customers and partners, winning the Brand for Good Competition and the End Food Waste Australia Challenge. Additionally, Rescued Kitchen supplies more than 20,000 of their ‘Rescued muffins’ and 1.5 tonnes of tomato sauce to the Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch programme each week. Rescued Kitchen was also recently honoured at the New Zealand Food Awards for Business Innovation, serving as a timely reminder of the difference their efforts are making.

Driven by purpose and innovation, Diane remains committed to tackling the food crisis by reimagining ingredients into new hero products and inspiring others to join the journey. “Rescued has saved 100 tonnes of food that would’ve gone to waste, and that’s with a team of 10. Just imagine what we could achieve with more people getting on board and rethinking food use!”

Website rescued.co.nz
Instagram @rescuedkitchen
LinkedIn @Rescued Limited

Aline Fonseca
Feliz Wholefoods

As co-founder of Feliz Wholefoods, Aline Fonseca finds immense joy in the human connection that her products foster. “I love hearing from customers who feel a genuine connection to what we’ve created. When they reach out to thank us for our products, it’s really rewarding.”

Since launching in 2020, Feliz Wholefoods has carved out a unique space in the chilled foods market with the introduction of Vutter, a pioneering plant-based alternative that challenges the traditional butter category. “We essentially created a new category within a category,” Aline explains. “Vutter is the first of its kind. Our goal is to offer clean, honest and delicious vegan options that don’t rely on unnecessary additives. We make food in a kitchen, not in a lab.”

Reflecting on the past year, which included winning the Supreme Award and the Chilled Award at the New Zealand Food Awards, Aline is proud of how far Feliz has come. “After four years of organic growth and bootstrapping, we’ve reached a sustainable point in our business, with exciting growth across all channels.” With a mission to bring food back to basics and a commitment to ethical sourcing, Aline invites everyone to join her in “being the change we wish to see in the world”.

Website felizwholefoods.co.nz
Instagram @vutter.nz
Facebook @vutter.nz
LinkedIn @feliz-wholefoods

Are you driving a project for change or do you want to shine a light on inspiring women working within our varied food-and-drink landscape? Would you like to join and build a community to connect all women in food and drink across the country? Head to wifd.co.nz to become a member of a group that will help us to support each other as we share ideas and knowledge.