Awards celebrate apples, aftershave and the cream of Kiwi grocery

Two Dudes makes men’s skincare. Heartland Fruit grows apples. 

On the surface, they couldn’t be more different. But they share something important: both are locally owned New Zealand businesses, driven by purpose and deeply connected to their communities. 

The two companies are finalists in the 2026 Foodstuffs Partnership Awards, an annual event recognising excellence in grocery across both Foodstuffs co-operatives. This year’s awards will be held in Christchurch on 12 March. 

The Partnership Awards celebrate the collaboration, innovation, and customer value that strengthens the grocery industry. Finalists are nominated for outstanding partnerships across a diverse range of categories that help our family‑owned stores deliver choice, quality and affordability to their communities. 

Up against some of the biggest names in the industry, Two Dudes and Heartland Fruit represent the strength of local suppliers competing - and winning - on quality, innovation and impact. 

Foodstuffs South Island CEO, Mary Devine, says the two companies reflect what the co-operatives stand for, backing local and investing in the communities they serve.  

“We work with a huge mix of suppliers, from local growers and start-ups to global leaders. The common thread is a shared commitment to quality, strong values, and delivering for New Zealanders.” 

Local roots, international standard  

With roots in Nelson dating back 110 years, Heartland Fruit has built reliable expertise producing quality apples year-round. Operating under the Luv’ya brand, the company unites growers across the region to deliver apples New Zealanders know and love. Their growers walk the orchards, watching for new varieties and changes in the trees, an approach shaped by years of hands‑on care. 

Brendon Osborn, general manager of Sales and Marketing at Heartland Fruit, says being a grower‑owned company helps staff feel connected to the family behind the orchards. 

“We can better understand what customers want from the years of experience; our growers know what’s needed to make sure the apples are eating great. When your family’s been doing it for 110 years, apples are your life. 

“That’s where our relationship with Foodstuffs is so valuable, giving us the freedom to operate in the way we need to produce great‑eating apples for customers.” 

Heartland Fruit has been nominated for the Fresh Category Excellence Award in the Foodstuffs South Island category.  

On the other side of the aisle is Two Dudes, a men’s skincare brand founded by two mates wanting to make self‑care simple for men. Starting out of a garage in Auckland, Tomas and Michael (two dudes who love skincare) created a brand that was not only good for their skin, but for their mental health too. Now ranked as the number one men’s grooming brand in the Southern Hemisphere by Sports Illustrated, Two Dudes is a community of men choosing to look after themselves, and each other.  

Michael McRae, co-founder of Two Dudes, says the name reflects the idea that every purchase helps both the buyer and another dude, with 10% of profits supporting men’s health charities.  

“We’ve found ourselves in a position where people look to us for men’s health messaging alongside our men's products, and we’ve created a space where guys feel safe and comfortable talking about it. It’s really awesome,” 

“We couldn’t ask for a better team, but it’s our dudes - our community and customers, who really carry this brand. Two Dudes has always been about people, purpose and authenticity, and they’re the ones who bring that to life every day.” 

Two Dudes has been nominated for the Grocery Non-Food & Consumables Award in the Foodstuffs South Island category. 

Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin says the Awards highlight the depth of talent across the grocery sector. 

“One of the strengths of our industry is seeing local New Zealand suppliers stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest global brands - and hold their own. We’re proud to celebrate the great products being made here at home.” 

Big names and local favourites are also in the mix, including Whittaker’s, nominated by Foodstuffs South Island for the Fresh Partnership Award, and Bluebird and RJ’s recognised by Foodstuffs North Island. Hellers features twice, nominated for both the Fresh Partnership and VMI Partnership Awards by Foodstuffs South Island. Quantum Pacific and Vitaco are nominated by Foodstuffs North Island for the Grocery Non‑Food and Consumables Award.  

The event, held on Thursday 12 March at Te Pae Convention Centre, brings together 43 finalist suppliers and over 400 guests to celebrate local innovation alongside global expertise. 

Each co-operative- Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island - will present four awards for Fresh, Grocery Food and Beverages, Grocery Non-Food and Consumables, and Vendor Managed Inventory partnerships. Five national awards will also be presented, including: 

• National Partnership Award – Honouring the top supplier across all categories
• Wholesale Excellence
• Precision Media Campaign of the Year
• Foodstuffs Own Brands Partnership
• HereforNZ Award – Recognising partners making a difference in sustainability, affordability, and community wellbeing

Congratulations to the following finalists - we can’t wait to honour your achievements!