The 2026 NZ Beverage Awards Finalists have been announced - Vote below

The 2026 NZ Beverage Awards Finalists have been announced - Vote below

Welcome to

The New Zealand Beverage Council

Our purpose is to help shape a thriving non-alcoholic beverage industry for Aotearoa.

We represent the manufacturers, brand owners and suppliers behind New Zealand’s juice, carbonated soft drink, flavoured‑dairy and bottled water products. Our role is to advocate for a strong, responsible and future‑focused beverage industry.

Our membership is diverse, from large multinational brands to local New Zealand producers, as well as the companies that provide essential goods and services across the beverage ecosystem. Together, we work to strengthen the sector’s collective voice, support best practice, and help shape a thriving non‑alcoholic beverage industry for Aotearoa.

About Us

2026 NZ Beverage Awards Finalists

  • BEST BEVERAGE INNOVATION

    BEST BEVERAGE INNOVATION

    The Finalists are:

    • NODE Mango - HJ Distribution

    • Symbiota Daily FOCUS Berry Blush - Symbiota

    • TE-LED*Z Blue - TE-LEDOZ

    • Terps & Co Monday Mule - Terps & Co

    • Wildly Delicious Water Kefir - Mango, Passionfruit & Lime - A Wildly Delicious Life

    Best Beverage Innovation is decided entirely by the NZBC member vote.

    ‍Voting closes on 11 September 2026. Voting is for NZBC members only, with one vote permitted per member company or organisation. Please coordinate your response internally before voting and do not forward the voting link.

    ‍CAST YOUR VOTE: Vote in the NZ Beverage Awards 2026

  • BRAND OF THE YEAR

    BRAND OF THE YEAR

    BRAND OF THE YEAR — ESTABLISHED

    • Almighty - Almighty Beverages

    • ANTHEA - ANTHEA Botanic Drinks

    • Ārepa - Alphagen Holdings

    • Wai Mānuka - Wai Mānuka

    BRAND OF THE YEAR — EMERGING

    • Barrier Buzz - The Aotea Company

    • Mānuka Phuel - Mānuka Phuel

    • NODE - HJ Distribution

    • Nooncha - Nooncha

    • TE-LED*Z - TE-LEDOZ

    The two Brand of the Year categories are determined by 60% member vote and 40% independent judging.

    ‍Voting closes on 11 September 2026. Voting is for NZBC members only, with one vote permitted per member company or organisation. Please coordinate your response internally before voting and do not forward the voting link.

    ‍CAST YOUR VOTE: Vote in the NZ Beverage Awards 2026


  • EMERGING LEADER

    EMERGING LEADER

    EMERGING LEADER

    • Aaron Taylor - Co-founder, No Ugly Ltd

    • Georgia Dey - Quality and Technical Manager, Pure Bottling

    • Joe Harawira - CEO and Co-founder, Wai Mānuka

New Members

💧

New Members 💧

A warm welcome to Almighty. Almighty is a New Zealand-owned beverage company on a mission to satisfy your thirst for life. From organic juices and flavoured sparkling waters to ready-to-drink matcha, Almighty creates better-for-you drinks designed for modern lifestyles. Founded in Wellington, Almighty has grown its reach across New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. Proudly B Corp certified, the team is focused on creating great-tasting drinks while building a more positive and sustainable future. 

Visit their website

Rebekah Hay started Hakanoa Handmade Drinks in New Zealand in 2009, inspired by a love of old-fashioned fermentation, and the unmistakable flavour of classic NZ ginger beer brewed with a living “bug”. What began in her kitchen, with help from business partner Roger King, has grown into a premium range of wild-fermented ginger beers, authentic chai concentrates and luxurious syrups. Hakanoa use fresh, ethically sourced ingredients, and all of our products are free from gluten, dairy, and preservatives. They combine time-honoured fermentation methods with careful experimentation, focusing on robust, beautifully balanced flavours and sustainable practices, including a direct-trade partnership that has helped our Fijian ginger growers convert to organic farming.

Visit their website

Our Positions on Key Issues