FreshChoice is proud to announce the winners of its annual FreshChoice Awards, which are held to recognise the dedicated work of the 78 FreshChoice stores and their supplier partners.
Over 100 franchisees and 40 supplier partners from across New Zealand gathered together at the celebratory event. With 27 awards given out the evening was marked with excitement, laughter and a sense of pride.
A big winner from the night was FreshChoice Merivale who won the meat, bakery delicatessen department of the year, Store Manager of the Year and Large Store of the Year. Merivale’s team consistently demonstrated excellence, offering a wide range, high-quality, and personalised service. What secured their victory was the commitment, innovation and repeated exceeding of expectations. Owner operator, Craig Grant, remarks on what this win means for them and the team. “I’m humbled and proud to be working with such a committed team who come in everyday and go that extra step to make shopping at FreshChoice Merivale an enjoyable experience”.
Despite having only opened last year, FreshChoice Lake Hāwea was recognised for its outstanding performance, winning Small Store of the Year. The store impressed with its exceptional service, strong community engagement, and consistent dedication to delivering the FreshChoice values. Owner-operator, Matt and Dixie Gallaher, expressed their delight at receiving the award, stating, “We’re incredibly honoured to be acknowledged. This win is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team who strive to make FreshChoice Lake Hāwea a welcoming and vital part of our local community”.
Speaking on the night, FreshChoice Executive General Manager, Tim Cartwright highlights the importance of taking time to recognise and celebrate the FreshChoice team and community. “These yearly awards shine the spotlight on our incredible team and supplier partners. It gives us the opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements of our owner-operators and their teams, the remarkable contributions of individuals, and the vital partnerships we have with our suppliers”.
“With 78 stores across the country we have exceptional people living, breathing and delivering the FreshChoice values across New Zealand. Each and every one of them play a crucial role in the continued success of the brand. It fills me with immense pride to bring so many incredible people together and to celebrate their amazing achievements”.
The full list of winners is below:
| Award | Winner |
| Meat Department of the Year | FreshChoice Merivale |
| Bakery Department of the Year | FreshChoice Merivale |
| Produce Department of the Year | FreshChoice Papamoa |
| Delicatessen Department of the Year | FreshChoice Merivale |
| Grocery Department of the Year | FreshChoice Flat Bush |
| Dairy and Freezer Department of the Year | FreshChoice Leamington |
| Liquor Department of the Year | FreshChoice Sumner |
| E-Commerce Store of the Year | FreshChoice Cromwell |
| Local Community Award | FreshChoice Leamington |
| Customer Service Award | FreshChoice Māngere Bridge |
| Social Media Award | FreshChoice Te Awamutu |
| FreshChoice Team Member Recognition Award | Annabel Burry Category Assistant |
| Dairy and Freezer Supplier of the Year | Tip Top |
| Liquor Supplier of the Year | Lion NZ |
| Fresh Foods Supplier of the Year | MG Group |
| Grocery Supplier of the Year | Griffins Snacks |
| Non-Foods Supplier of the Year | Reckitt |
| Product Launch of the Year | Speight’s Summit Range Lion NZ |
| Account Manager of the Year | Devon Peat Reckitt |
| Franchisee Supplier Support Award | Goodman Fielder |
| Support Services Supplier of the Year | Displayworks |
| Small Supplier of the Year (under $2m) | Yarrows The Bakers |
| FreshChoice Supplier of the Year | Griffins Snacks |
| Store Manager of the Year | Rikkie Tibbotts FreshChoice Merivale |
| Store of the Year – Small | FreshChoice Lake Hawea |
| Store of the Year – Medium | FreshChoice Sumner |
| Store of the Year – Large | FreshChoice Merivale |
