Celebrating Women Pioneers in Food Science and Technology at Massey University
Massey University recently honored two prominent women in food science and product development with the Massey University Woman in Food Science and Technology Award at an awards luncheon held in Auckland. The award was jointly presented to Jo James from Begin Distilling Ltd and Annabel Caldwell from Good & Humble.
About the Award
This annual award, presented on International Women’s Day, is part of the Women in Food and Drink Aotearoa initiative and is supported by Cuisine Magazine. It recognizes an individual whose contributions to food science or technical product development have made a significant impact on the industry.
Massey University’s Commitment to Food Science
Massey University is recognized for its leading programs in food science and has a long-standing commitment to education, research, and innovation in this field. The institution also hosts the New Zealand Food Awards, which have highlighted advancements in food and beverage products for over 35 years.
Award Selection Panel
The selection panel for this year’s award included Professor Joanne Hort, the Fonterra-Riddet Chair in Consumer and Sensory Science. The panel evaluated nominees and selected recipients that represented both emerging and established contributions to product development. Professor Hort is also featured in the 2026 list of the Top 50 Women in Food and Drink.
Ceremony Highlights
During the awards ceremony, Professor Hort acknowledged the accomplishments of the recipients, noting their roles as innovators and mentors within the food sector. She underscored Massey University’s commitment to developing leaders in the industry.
Jo James’ Achievements
Jo James has been recognized for her expertise in beverage formulation and sustainability, using local resources to produce Juno gin and vodka at Begin Distilling Ltd. Her collaboration with horticulturalists and focus on sustainable practices contribute to waste reduction in production.
Annabel Caldwell’s Contributions
Annabel Caldwell, known for her achievements in sustainable food innovation at Good & Humble—previously Otis Oat Milk—leads the product development efforts while emphasizing the incorporation of locally sourced ingredients and enhancing manufacturing capabilities.
Other Notable Nominations
Among this year’s nominations were Professor Tracy Berno from Auckland University of Technology and Kelsi Boocock, founder of a functional drinks brand.
Connecting Influential Women
The Top 50 Women in Food and Drink Aotearoa initiative, in partnership with Cuisine Magazine, aims to recognize and connect influential women within New Zealand’s food and beverage sector. This year, two members affiliated with Massey University—Professor Joanne Hort and Nikki Middleditch, General Manager of FoodPilot—were included in the list.
Looking Ahead
The theme for International Women’s Day 2027, “Give to Gain,” aligns with the focus of the initiative on collaboration and community support among women in the industry. Nominations for the upcoming year’s Top 50 Women will open soon after the awards ceremony.
(Source: Massey University)
