At the Outstanding New Zealand Food Producer Awards, about 12 southern producers received medals after more than 209 locally harvested, grown and made food and drink products were assessed in late February.
From that, 207 gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded.
Judges led by Lorraine Jacobs assessed the products on visual appearance, aroma, flavour, consistency and quality.
A further 10% of the assessment was for sustainability, with two specialist judges reviewing each entry for environment and social business practice.
The final 5% is given for "wow" and brand story.
Continuing their winning run at the awards are Augustines of Central which won two gold medals for its chutney and condiments, Whitestone won one gold for its Oamaru Blue cheese, Farm Fresh South won one gold for its Whole Pasteurised Milk, Robbies by Mrs Pickles won one gold as did The Kitchen Window, while Links Quality Meats joined their ranks with golds for its Organwurst and Tube Burger Sausage.
Port Larder also had success with three gold medals for its sauces and marmalade as well as one for its gluten-free tomato sauce in the new "free-from" category as did PURE New Zealand ice cream from Wanaka for its mango and coconut gelato.
Jacobs said each year there was a different trend that becomes very obvious as the judges work to assess entries.
"This year judges were excited to see how many producers have taken up the health messages and emphasised this through their food production."
Free-from is food made and marketed to meet the requirements of a specific diet, such as gluten-free, carb-free, keto, vegan or meat-free.
For the first time, this year these products were judged in their own category.
Free-from was highly contested with 54 products being assessed and 40 medals awarded in this category.
"The 2023 entries of this, the seventh year of our awards, was one of the most satisfying array to judge to date. I am proud of our food producers and truly honoured to continue to lead a team of outstanding judges to seek New Zealand’s most outstanding foods."
All gold medal winners are in contention for category champions and special awards which will be announced on April 18.
Medal winners from Otago and Southland
Augustines of Central, Black Peach and Tomato Chutney, Gold Medal (Earth Category), Blackcurrants in Cassis, Gold Medal (Earth Category); Strawberry & Rhubarb Jam, Bronze Medal (Earth Category).
Port Larder, Ceylon Sauce, Gold Medal (Earth Category), Marmalade, Gold Medal (Earth Category), Gluten-Free Tomato Sauce (GF), Gold Medal (Free-From Category).
Tartan Sari, Spicy Carrot Pickle, Silver Medal (Earth Category), Rechard Masala Curry Paste, Silver Medal (Earth Category); The Kitchen Window, Basil & Honey Dressing, Gold Medal (Earth Category); PURE New Zealand Ice Cream. Mango & Coconut Gelato, Gold Medal (Free From Category).
Links Quality Meats, Organwurst, Gold Medal (Paddock Category), Tube Burger Sausage, Gold Medal (Paddock Category) .
Whitestone Cheese Co, Oamaru Blue, Gold Medal (Dairy Category), Oamaru;
Farm Fresh South, Whole Pasteurised Milk, Gold Medal (Dairy Category), Raw Milk, Silver Medal (Dairy Category), Invercargill;
Robbies by Mrs Pickles, Peach & Ginger Chutney, Gold Medal (Earth Category), Pickled Onions, Silver Medal (Earth Category) Gore.
Taste of the Alps, The Gold Panner Central Otago Apricot & Lemon Jam, Gold Medal (Earth Category), The Beekeeper Apricot Kasundi, Bronze Medal (Earth Category) Wanaka.
Branch Creek Honey, Creamed Clover Blend Honey, Silver Medal (Earth Category), Raw Clover Blend Honey, Bronze Medal (Earth Category),Wanaka.
Pure South, Beef, Gold Medal (Paddock Category), Handpicked Lamb, Gold Medal (Paddock Category), Lamb, Gold Medal (Paddock Category),Venison, Gold Medal (Paddock Category), Handpicked Beef 55-Day Aged, Gold Medal (Paddock Category), South Island.
