Julian Benefield, General Counsel & Company Secretary for Foodstuffs North Island receives the award from sponsor Finance Now’s Chief Executive Hadyn Halls

Foodstuffs North Island has won the Innovation – Best Use of Technology Award at the Retail NZ Awards 2025, recognising the co-op’s groundbreaking use of facial recognition technology to improve safety in supermarkets. 

The award celebrates retailers who use technology in innovative and impactful ways to enhance experiences for both customers and teams. Judges highlighted Foodstuffs’ responsible approach and strong values underpinning the successful trial. 

Julian Benefield, General Counsel & Company Secretary for Foodstuffs North Island said the award is an important acknowledgement of the co-op’s commitment to thinking differently about safety. 

“Retail crime is a serious and complex problem, and we knew we had to think differently to keep our teams and customers safe. Our trial has shown it’s possible to use facial recognition responsibly while reducing harm and improving safety. This recognition belongs to every frontline team member, security expert, owner operator and Foodstuffs team member who believed in what we were doing and helped make it happen.” 

The co-op says its reason for entering the awards was to highlight how innovation and strong values can work hand in hand. 

“Our trial of facial recognition wasn’t just about technology, it was about people, safety, and doing the right thing in a challenging environment. We hoped our story might encourage others to think boldly and act responsibly,” said Benefield. 

The Retail NZ Awards are New Zealand’s premier retail awards programme, celebrating excellence and achievement across the sector. This year’s finalists represented a wide range of businesses, from large well-established operators to small niche retailers, from bricks-and-mortar stores to online shops, reflecting the importance of retail in communities across Aotearoa. 

Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young said: “The calibre of the finalists demonstrates the talent and innovation of our retail sector. There is amazing work going on across Aotearoa, and it’s important to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of these individuals and businesses.” 

 The winners were announced at a black-tie awards dinner on Thursday, 28 August at the Grand Millennium in Auckland.