The winners of the 2026 Hive Awards have been recognised and celebrated as some of Australia's most innovative food and beverage manufacturers over the past year. The awards were presented on Thursday 21 May during a long lunch at Linseed House, Sydney, to a room of over 100 industry leaders abuzz with excitement.
The event was emcee'd by Food & Drink Business publisher, Lindy Hughson, who highlighted the exceptional challenges the industry is currently facing – but emphasised its resilience.
Kerry ANZ general manager and Hive Awards judge, Michelle Thomson, gave the audience a lot to think about, with an opening presentation on the state of the food industry and the importance of leading with innovation. She noted that the room was full of believers, decision makers, and the people shaping the future of food in Australia – and the finalists were making the industry stronger through building something that matters.
“The people being recognised today did not succeed because conditions were easy,” said Thomson.
“They succeeded because they kept moving – with judgement, with belief and with the courage to back ideas before the outcome was guaranteed. This is what should give all of us confidence – confidence in the strength of this industry, and in the role this room will play in shaping what comes next.
“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. Thank you for continuing to back ideas that do more than inspire: ideas that create values, drive progress, and move this industry forward,” she said.
Without further ado, Food & Drink Business presents the 2026 Hive Awards winners.
Rising Star / Emerging Leader: Sam Musson – Zest Element and Harvest ResQ
Best Technology Award: Treasury Wine Estates NoLo wine production process
Best Packaging Award: Amcor Flexibles AmPrima Recycle-Ready Packaging for Shredded Cheese
Gamechanger Award: Freshwater Bev Tech SUMMi Soda
Best NPD: Simson's Pantry High Protein Souvlaki
Best Local Manufacturer: Bendigo Brittle
Best Beverage Product: Aquafab
Golden Hive: Sam Musson – Zest Element and HarvestResQ
A huge congratulations to all of our 2026 finalists, it was so tough to narrow it down to that select pool, and even more difficult to pick our winners. Make sure to check them all out and show them some love!
And a massive thank you to our Headline Sponsor Commonwealth Bank (for the third year running), Silver Sponsor Heat and Control, Bronze Sponsors Process Partners, HMPS, and Total Construction, and industry partner APPMA (Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association), without which this event would not have been possible.
