Foodstuffs 2026 Partnership Award Winners

Outstanding partnerships, innovation and customer value took centre stage on 15 March as Foodstuffs announced the winners of its 2026 Partnership Awards.  

Held at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch, the annual awards brought together more than 400 guests and 43 finalist suppliers from across the Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island co-operatives.  

Across both co‑operatives, eight Category Excellence Awards were presented to suppliers demonstrating standout performance in Fresh, Grocery Food & Beverage, Grocery Non‑Food & Consumables and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) partnerships.  

A further four awards recognised national excellence across wholesale, HereforNZ (sustainability, affordability, and community wellbeing), media campaigns and own brands. 

Foodstuffs South Island CEO Mary Devine said the awards recognise the strength of partnerships that support locally owned Foodstuffs stores and the communities they serve. 

“These awards are about recognising the suppliers who consistently lean in alongside us, bringing commitment, innovation and collaboration to everything they do. 

“Strong partnerships sit at the heart of our co-operatives, and they play a critical role in helping our stores serve their customers and communities every day.”  

The final and most prestigious award of the evening, the Foodstuffs National Partnership Award, was presented to Quantum Pacific, who were also named Foodstuffs South Island Grocery (Non‑food & Consumables) Partner of the Year. 

A New Zealand‑owned and operated business, Quantum Pacific was recognised for consistently putting the customer at the centre of its approach, while balancing category growth, innovation and strong commercial outcomes. Operating in highly competitive categories, the company has demonstrated an ability to deliver standout innovation, collaborate closely with Foodstuffs teams, and support stores with ranges that drive performance on shelf. 

Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin said that Quantum Pacific exemplifies what great partnership looks like in practice.  

“The Partnership Awards celebrate the relationships that make a real difference for our stores and customers,” said Mr Quin. “Quantum Pacific are a standout example of what great partnership looks like, consistently putting the customer first, working closely with our teams, and contributing meaningfully to category growth and shared success across the co-operative.

Chris Quin and Mary Devine with Barry Roberston, Georgia Robertson and Leanne Roberston from Quantum Pacific.

Quantum Pacific Director Barry Roberston said the family-owned business was incredibly proud to receive the award.

“It means a great deal to have the work of our team and our partnership with Foodstuffs recognised in this way,” said Mr Roberston. “As a family-run business, partnership sits at the heart of everything we do and it’s an honour to be in the room alongside so many other incredible suppliers here.” 

Both Foodstuffs co-operatives congratulated all 2026 Partnership Awards winners and finalists on their achievements.  

“You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved,” said Ms Devine.” Your work shows the impact strong collaboration and shared ambition can have, not just for our businesses, but for customers who rely on our stores every day.”