From regional manufacturers to global powerhouses, the finalists in The Hive Awards 2026 have it covered. Congratulations to the 45 people and companies that made the cut, in a highly competitive field of entries. Winners will be announced at the annual Hive Awards Long Lunch, in Sydney, on 21 May.
Special thanks to the judges for their time and expertise.
Sandra Dal Maso, Head of Packaging Transformation, Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation
Dr Chris Downs, Director, Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA)
Anna Eum, Associate – Industry Development, Manufacturing Industry and Investment, Investment NSW
Jim Fader, Co-founder & CEO, Edenbrew
Vanessa Matthijssen, Asia-Pacific Consumer Industry lead, Deloitte Consulting
Margaret Stuart, Director, APCO
Michelle Thomson, General Manager, Kerry Group ANZ
Reg Weine, CEO, Freshmax
And thanks also, to our sponsors
And the finalists are...
BEST NPD
This category recognises new food and beverage products that convert strong insight, manufacturing excellence, and innovation into commercial success.
Cheezeburger Beef Brisket Bar, Chief Nutrition
Dairy Farmers Protein Smoothie+ Drink Chocolate 400mL, Bega Group
Enough Beverages, Mid-Strength Spirits Range
Goodradigbee Distillers, Dusk til Dawn
High Protein Souvlaki, Simson’s Pantry
Metabolic Burn, Health Chef
Pistachio Papi, Quattro Gelato
BEST BEVERAGE AWARD
This award celebrates beverages that combine technical achievement, innovation, and market resonance.
Aquafab
CocoCoast
Guava Burst SUMMi Soda, Mrs Toddy’s Tonics
Oh! Lemonaid, Second Squeeze
Parachutes, Single O
BEST PACKAGING
This category recognises packaging solutions that enhance product appeal, functionality, sustainability, and manufacturing performance.
AmPrima Recycle-Ready Packaging for Shredded Cheese, Amcor Flexibles
BIB Pouch for Hot-Fill Cream Cheese, Close the Loop
BulletProof, East Coast Canning and Printing
Holy Carp!, Heliograf
Masarap Ube Kinapay Pouch, Titan Packaging
PapeR Bottle, Zipform Packaging
Well and Good Bread Bag, Titan Packaging
BEST TECH
This award showcases technology shaping the future of food and beverage manufacturing.
Digital Manufacturing Twin, Process Partners
NoLo lower-alcohol wines, Treasury Wine Estates
Produxiom
Streamlining Manufacturing Information, Process Partners
Transforming Chocolate Transportation, Process Partners, Barrycallebaut and Enmin Conveyors
BEST LOCAL MANUFACTURER
This category recognises Australian manufacturers delivering excellence, innovation, and community impact.
Bendigo Brittle
Honey for Life
Packserv
Roma Food Products
Springhill Farm Australia
Suntory Oceania
RISING STAR / EMERGING LEADER
This award honours individuals shaping the future of the industry through leadership, initiative, and innovation.
Brenda Robinson, Robinsons Honey
Brock Hatten, Chief Nutrition
Danny Kane, Aquafab
Greta Donaldson, Bendigo Brittle
Jessica Kelly, Ferndale Foods Australia
John Galiatsatos, Suntory Global Spirits
Sam Musson, ZYEST and Harvest ResQ
GAMECHANGER
This award celebrates innovators redefining what’s possible in food and beverage manufacturing.
Aquafab
BOC Trim Chilling
SUMMi Soda, Freshwater Bev Tech
HiveKeepers
Priestly’s Gourmet Delights
Swanbank Carbon Neutral Manufacturing Facility, Suntory Oceania
The Sydney Shaker, Allied Beverages
Vow
Congratulations to all the finalists.
Join us when we announce the winners of the 2026 Hive Awards:
Time: 12:30pm
When: Thursday, 21 May
Where: Linseed House, The Grounds of Alexandria, Sydney
