Healthy fast foods earn Marton company place in finals

Products from the Whole Mix range made by Speirs Foods in Marton have been selected as finalists in the New Zealand Food Awards. Photo/Bevan Conley.

Speirs Foods in Marton have made the finals in the 2018 New Zealand Food Awards with its Whole Mix range.

The vegetable noodle products earned the company finalist spots in the JW Business Innovation Award and the Health and Wellbeing Award categories.

Whole Mix zucchini, kumara, butternut and medley noodle products caught the attention of the judges at the Massey University powered competition.

Speirs earned praise from organisers for their innovation in producing food that is healthy, convenient and tasty.

"They are certainly breaking the stereotypes of ordinary pre-packaged meals."

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says the university is extremely proud of the role the awards have had in showcasing excellence and innovation.

"We know New Zealanders are regarded as world leaders in this sphere and it is right that we remind ourselves each year just how extraordinarily talented and creative the people in our food sector are."

The New Zealand Food Awards expert judging panel includes celebrity judges Bite magazine's Ray McVinnie, chef Geoff Scott, World Kitchen television host and chef Nici Wickes, and New Zealand's only certified cicerone (beer expert), Josh Scott.

" We are delighted to make the finals," said Speirs marketing manager Belinda Bonnor.

"Recently we have added parsnip noodles to our Whole Mix range and they also taste delicious raw."

The New Zealand Food Awards winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Sky City Convention Centre on October 17.