Foodstuffs is on the hunt for the ‘next best’ local grocery products

Foodstuffs has launched this year’s New World Emerge, a nationwide search for the ‘next best’ local food and grocery products. — L-R: Lucky Taco, Fuller Overnight Oats, Solid plastic-free toothpaste. (Source: Lucky Taco, Fuller Overnight Oats, Solid plastic-free toothpaste)

By Kaycee Enerva Mar 26, 2026

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Foodstuffs has launched this year’s New World Emerge, a nationwide search for the ‘next best’ local food and grocery products.

Launched in 2022, the initiative aims to give innovators a headstart to their product, giving access to New World’s network, support from experts, commercial guidance, and a chance to have a place on shelves across the country.

Participants in New World Emerge will also benefit from the support of a range of industry experts, including Precision Media, New Zealand Food Innovation Network, Rise Growth Lab, Hoop, and Stickybeak, offering guidance across product development, marketing, insights, and growth.

This year, the program has been streamlined into a single entry category. In the past, there were two categories: Start-ups and small suppliers.

Foodstuffs MD Chris Quin says the goal of this project is to uncover and support the next wave of local grocery innovators.

“We know there is incredible talent and creativity across Aotearoa, and through Emerge we can help those businesses take the next step.”

Past winners of New World Emerge include Sarah and Otis Frizzell and their Lucky Taco Kits; Dane Fuller of Fuller Overnight Oats; and Adam McConnochie of Solid plastic-free toothpaste.

Entries are open until May 3. Finalists will be announced in June, before the competition culminates in a live pitch event on July 15.