Liquid Ambition: Welcome to the 2026 NZBC Awards
Returning after 10 years, industry-wide awards have finally been reinstated and are officially open to the entire New Zealand non-alcoholic beverage sector!
The New Zealand Beverage Council (NZBC) proudly presents Liquid Ambition: The Future of New Zealand Beverages, culminating in our premier Awards Evening on 15 October 2026. These awards are not just an event; they are a strategic asset designed to elevate the profile of the entire beverage industry.
Why Enter the NZBC Awards?
Judged by an independent panel of industry experts, the NZBC Awards exist to raise standards and define what 'good' looks like across the sector. By participating, you can unlock incredible value for your business:
Create Commercial Opportunities: Shortlisted and winning brands gain a tangible business advantage, opening doors for retailer ranging conversations and increased consumer trust.
Amplify Brand Reach: Generate valuable trade media coverage, social content, and retailer conversations that extend well beyond the awards evening. The NZBC winner badge becomes a powerful mark of credibility.
Celebrate Your People: Give your outstanding team members the public recognition they deserve and help retain top talent in the NZ food and beverage sector.
2026 Award Categories
We are celebrating the full spectrum of what makes a great beverage industry. Entries are open for the following categories:
Best Beverage Innovation: Recognising ground-breaking new products, formats, ingredients, or processes.
Proudly sponsored by:Brand of the Year (Established & Emerging): Celebrating brands that demonstrate outstanding market performance, compelling brand storytelling, and deep consumer trust.
Proudly sponsored by:Emerging Leader: Honouring talented individuals with fewer than 10 years in the industry who are demonstrating measurable impact and shaping the future of the sector.
Proudly sponsored by:Industry Champion: Recognizing a career or legacy of outstanding, long-term contribution to the New Zealand non-alcoholic beverage industry.
Proudly sponsored by:
Key Dates to Remember:
Entries Open: 18 June 2026
Entries Close: 07 August 2026
Awards Evening: 15 October 2026
Ready to Showcase Your Liquid Ambition?
Whether you are an established household name or a rising star, the NZBC Awards are your platform to shine. Entries are open to both NZBC members and non-members.
Judges
Jamie Matthewson
-
Recently voted as the 27th most influential person in the drinks industry, Jamie Matthewson is currently the General Manager for Pantry, Impulse Grocery, Frozen Foods and Liquor at Woolworths NZ, part of The Woolworths Group. Previously, he headed up buying for Wines and Beers, Spirits and Soft Drinks at Waitrose, Britain's leading premium supermarket. He has 25 years of domestic and international retail experience in addition to hospitality and on-trade experience, having held commercial and strategy roles at Tesco PLC, Whitbread PLC and Asda Wal*Mart LTD.
He is a Decanter, IWSC, IWC, NRA and Drinks Business Award winner and a Wine, Beer and Spirits Judge with WSET and IBD qualifications.
A Nottingham Business School Graduate, he is now an Alumnus Fellow at the university.
Scott Wright
-
An accomplished commercial leader and champion of brand and innovation, Scott Wright brings over 30 years of executive experience across large consumer goods businesses such as Cadbury, Philips, Goodman Field, Frucor/Suntory and Lion. He has also been GM of smaller companies such as Arano Juices and The Village Press and has also spent time in the business events industry with Brightstar, so understands the challenges and dynamics of smaller businesses and the B2B sector too.
He is a firm believer in the power of brand; of outside-in thinking and driving great commercial outcomes through creativity, collaboration, partnerships, deep consumer insight, and harnessing the potential of engaged, high-performing teams.
Having had executive leadership roles across marketing, commercial, business development and future innovation, Scott has led and worked with a huge number of talented emerging leaders and has been a mentor to many.
Karen Bradshaw
-
After 25 years in corporate communications, Karen Thompson recently retired from her role as Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability for Coca-Cola Oceania. Throughout her 14 years with the company, Karen was a central figure in shaping industry policy, serving extensively on the New Zealand Beverage Council executive committee. Her career was defined by driving real-world progress in beverage innovation - most notably acting as a key champion for the industry’s major sugar reduction strategy. She also spearheaded vital environmental initiatives in recycling and waste minimisation, while regularly acting as the bridge between the sector and government ministers to balance regulatory goals with industry practicalities.