Congratulations to the 2026 New Zealand Beverage Awards Winners

Ārepa is a New Zealand functional beverage brand recognised for its innovative approach to brain health, combining scientific research with locally sourced blackcurrants. Working alongside neuroscientists and supported by ongoing clinical research, Ārepa has developed a range of functional beverages and supplements designed to help people perform, think and feel at their best, without relying on caffeine or high sugar.

Mānuka Phuel is bringing a fresh approach to the energy drink market with its naturally formulated products. Positioning itself as the "go-to-phuel" for the performance generation, the brand aims to deliver everything consumers expect from an energy drink, without synthetic ingredients or the synthetic aftertaste.

Created by New Zealand parents Jen and Eric Simich, TE-LEDOZ BLUE is a natural, low-sugar electrolyte drink developed as an alternative to traditional high-sugar sports drinks. Recognised for its innovative use of spirulina-derived natural colour, the drink combines a striking blue appearance with pineapple and strawberry flavours, bringing a fresh approach to hydration.

Aaron Taylor, co-founder of No Ugly, was recognised for his entrepreneurial leadership, product innovation and commercial success. Through No Ugly, Aaron has helped make functional beverages and nutritional science more accessible to consumers. His leadership has contributed to strong business growth and international expansion, demonstrating the potential of New Zealand beverage brands both locally and overseas.

With more than four decades of experience in the juice and beverage industry, Damian Honiss has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of New Zealand's beverage sector. As co-founder of RD2 International, Damian has built a successful business supplying natural ingredients to the food and beverage industry. He was also instrumental in the early development of the NZ Juice and Beverage Association, now the NZ Beverage Council, and has remained a dedicated supporter of the industry throughout its evolution.Description goes here