Pictured above: ZIWI accepting the award of Hawke’s Bay ASB Exporter of the Year 2024.
New Zealand’s leading pet food manufacturer, ZIWI, has been awarded Hawke’s Bay ASB Exporter of the Year 2024.
In a dazzling ceremony held at the Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre in Hastings on August 1st, ZIWI, New Zealand’s leading pet food manufacturer, was honoured with the title of Hawke’s Bay ASB Exporter of the Year 2024. The event, which drew a record-breaking audience, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards.
ZIWI, which exports its products to 35 countries and employs 450 people, impressed judges with its remarkable global success and resilience. Despite the setbacks caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, which led to the complete rebuild of its 12,500 square meter plant – a $100 million investment – the company continued to excel in innovation and production. Judges highlighted ZIWI’s expertise in complex production techniques and its leading-edge research into the connection between pet food and animal health.
“ZIWI’s ability to overcome the challenges posed by the cyclone and their ongoing innovation in product development and global marketing made them a standout winner,” said the judging panel.
In addition to being named Exporter of the Year, ZIWI also took home the T&G Global Best Established Business Award.
The awards ceremony, marking a decade of recognising exporting excellence, featured Trade Minister Todd McClay as the event’s opener and ASB Head of International Trade Mike Atkins presenting the top honor to ZIWI. Atkins praised the high level of innovation and the significant achievements of this year’s finalists and winners, emphasizing the impressive advancements made by many in the export sector.
Other notable awards included:
- ContainerCo Best Emerging Exporter Award: Rare New Zealand
- Southeast Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence in Innovation Award: Taylor Corporation
- Newstalk ZB/Hawke’s Bay Today Excellence in Sustainability Award: Kiwi Crunch
- Judges’ Choice Award: FrostBoss®, NZ Frost Fans
The Napier Port Unsung Heroes Award recognized individuals and organizations for their behind-the-scenes contributions. Stu Hutchinson of NZ Frost Fans, Kay Willan of FreshCo, and the New Zealand Defence Force were celebrated for their exceptional efforts, particularly during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Amanda Liddle, Export NZ Hawke’s Bay Regional Manager, expressed her gratitude to the sponsors and judges, highlighting the high caliber of this year’s finalists and winners. “Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne have an incredible range of export talent, and it was challenging to select the winners,” Liddle said.
The awards underscore the region’s strength in exporting and the innovative spirit driving local businesses onto the global stage.
