Source: Business Central
Finalists Announced for 2025 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards
Hawke’s Bay exporters are being recognised for their excellence with today’s announcement of the finalists for the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards.
In a time of substantial global volatility, ExportNZ is proud to recognise just some of the amazing exporters who continue to innovate and succeed in the global market.
The awards celebrate high calibre exporters from Hawke’s Bay up to the southern tip of Gisborne and are awarded annually.
Finalists for 2025 were selected from a wide field of entries, with an expert panel of judges assessing their success across a wide range of categories. The winners of each individual award category will automatically go in the running for the supreme award of the night, the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Exporter of the Year.
Judges have lauded the creativity and quality of this year’s finalists, highlighting their innovation, strategy and global growth.
ASB’s Head of International Trade, Mike Atkins said it was exciting to see this year’s finalists covered a mix of businesses from the Food & Fibre sector along with Productive Manufacturing:
“We are extremely proud to enter our eleventh year of celebrating some of the country’s most innovative and inspiring companies and the achievements of the Hawke’s Bay export sector. It was particularly inspiring to see the level of innovation being adopted, including some world firsts,” said Atkins.
Congratulations to all this year’s finalists and award winners – the region should be proud of these amazing achievements.”
This year’s category finalists are:
ContainerCo Emerging Business Award
– Ovenden Seeds Limited
– Six Barrel Soda
– Haumako
– Bayleaf Organics
T&G Global Best Established Business Award
– Apollo Foods
– Starboard Bio Limited
Ziwi Excellence in Innovation Award
– Norsewear
– King Bees
– Starboard Bio Limited
– Apollo Foods
The Judges’ Choice Award, NZME Service to Export Award and Napier Port Unsung Heroes Award will be announced on the night – as will this year’s supreme prize, ASB Exporter of the Year.
Winners of each category will also go on to the final stage of the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) International Business Awards, held in Auckland on November 11 th.
ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay Executive Officer Amanda Liddle applauded all the efforts of the finalists and the exporting community.
“There’s no denying that the past few years have been challenging for exporters. Yet, time and again, our exporters have not only persevered but outperformed on the global stage-a true testament to their resilience, quality, and determination,” said Liddle.
“Amid ongoing global uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to pause and celebrate their achievements. ExportNZ is proud to stand behind our exporters-driving economic growth, lifting national pride, and showcasing New Zealand to the world.”
“This night would not be possible without the support of our category sponsors and our family sponsors. A special thank you to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Airport and Craggy Range Winery. Congratulations to all the finalists.”
Gala Dinner and Winners Announcement
ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay is overseen by Business Central, which represents around 3,500 organisations across the lower North Island. Business Central offers advice, learning, advocacy, and support to a wide range of organisations across Central New Zealand. Business Central is part of the BusinessNZ Network.