Westland bags award

The company was also a finalist in the categories of 'Best business operating internationally – over $50m' and 'Best Commercialisation of Intellectual Property in International Business'.

Accepting the award last week in Auckland, Westland Milk Products chief executive Rod Quin said it reflected the company's excellence in business, in particular R&D.

"Our success internationally and in New Zealand can be attributed to our talented and committed team passionate about taking Westland Milk Products to the next level."

The Westland team works with customers to create nutritional ingredients and supports them in sustaining product value.

"We recognise innovation... can add value to our customers and maximise returns to our shareholders," Quin says. "We encourage direct contact between people in our business and our customers' organisations. This award is a fantastic reflection of our team's collaborative approach."

The judges said, "Westland Milk Products tackles R&D with a clear sense of the product's potential in international markets."

Quin added, "Winning this award is particularly important as we move towards a portfolio of added value nutritional products. It demonstrates we can innovate along with the best in New Zealand."

Westland's wholly owned subsidiary EasiYo Products was a finalist in its category for 'Best Business Operating Internationally – $10m to $50m'. Quin congratulated EasiYo chief executive Paul O'Brien and colleagues on outstanding performance in export markets.