09 March 2023

Last night Foodstuffs celebrated its’ National Partnership Awards at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton, with the event acknowledging over 533 suppliers from 170 organisations across New Zealand for the integral role they play in providing Foodstuffs North and South Island customers with the best shopping experience.

Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin says that the co-operative is hugely appreciative of suppliers’ efforts to attend the Partnership Awards, despite facing significant disruptions following Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary floods.

“We’re mindful many of our suppliers and Foodstuffs team members attending will have been impacted by the weather events, and while so much has happened since the last Partnership Awards in 2022, it’s important to find opportunities to acknowledge the huge effort suppliers have put in alongside our teams across the year as well as over the past few weeks to keep groceries on shelves.

“It’s a testament to the resilience of our industry that despite huge challenges in the last 12 months, the customer-driven innovation in the grocery industry continues to be world-class, it’s wonderful to celebrate that through events like the Partnership Awards,” Chris says.

Foodstuffs North and South Island stores presented five awards each recognising category excellence.  This included Grocery Partner, Grocery – Non-Food Partner, Liquor Partner, Fresh Partner and Emerging Supplier as well as one overall National Award.

The overall National Partnership Award went to Reckitt Benckiser Hygiene, who were recognised for their consistent communication of challenges and opportunities through disrupted times, as well as a strong willingness to engage and collaborate, resulting in great new products for Foodstuffs customers across both islands.

CEO of Foodstuffs South Island Mary Devine says the awards are an important way to recognise the innovation and excellence in the grocery industry and have everyone gather together to celebrate, despite a challenging few years.

"I’m always struck by the passion and commitment by suppliers who like us, are focused on what matters most: feeding our communities. The finalists and winners celebrated at the Partnership Awards demonstrate what can be achieved despite the challenges that come our way,” Mary says.