Monday, 28 March 2022 11:23

Kiwi plant-based milk wins big at international awards

Written by Staff Reporters

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Kabocha Milk Co has received two awards at the World Food Innovation Awards in London.

Hawke’s Bay company Kabocha Milk Co has scooped two international food innovation awards at the 2022 World Food Innovation Awards in London.

The company was awarded “Best Health and Wellness Drink” and “Best Plant Based Beverage”.

Held in London this year, the awards considered entries from over 22 countries before choosing final winners from across 25 categories.

Kabocha milk is a vegan, preservative free, cholesterol free milk-like product made from Kabocha squash. All stock of the product is manufactured and exported to Japan and Korea.

The business has plans to reach over 5,000 stores across Japan, Korea and China in the next few years.

“We’re on cloud nine and really chuffed that an idea created in little old New Zealand can take on and beat some of the big industry heavyweights again in innovation,” says Kabocha Milk Co chief executive Shane Newman.

He says the company is planning to expand its product portfolio into new flavours, “as well as getting in the race to develop alternative proteins using the amazing health benefits of Kabocha.”

Founder Sachie Nomura says she is proud to bring her two homes – Japan and New Zealand – together with the product.

“We are very unique in the market in that we are true farmer-to-chef-to-bottle experience and with borders lifting we love the idea of bringing some of our major customers down to New Zealand to enjoy our warm hospitality, and see exactly where their beautiful ingredients are made from.”

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