NZACS CELEBRATES ITS BIGGEST INDUSTRY AWARDS NIGHT

The 2026 Peter Jowett finalists took to the stage on 3 August at Auckland’s Grand Millennium, presenting their concepts to a packed room of more than 165 registered attendees — the largest NZACS Awards Night in the organisation’s history.

Beloved broadcaster Hilary Barry led the evening as Master of Ceremonies, bringing her trademark warmth and humour to one of the industry’s most anticipated annual events.

The programme began at 3pm with afternoon tea, followed by a welcome from NZACS Executive Director Dave Hooker, who acknowledged the strength of this year’s talent pool.

A record eleven entrants competed in the Peter Jowett competition, with finalists selected by members of the NZACS management committee.

2026 Peter Jowett Finalists

•        Kaitlyn Dalton – Suntory

•        Clara Walsh – Goodman Fielder

•        James Leggott – Imperial

•        Mariska Jenkins – CCEP

•        Harsh Mehta – PMI

•        Devika Modak – PMI

After the presentations, attendees moved into pre dinner drinks and networking — a highlight for suppliers, retailers, and industry partners alike — before sitting down for dinner and the official Industry Awards ceremony.

The record turnout, strong calibre of entrants, and energetic atmosphere underscored the momentum within New Zealand’s convenience sector, marking this year’s NZACS Awards Night as a standout celebration of innovation, talent, and industry collaboration.

The winner of the PJ Scholarship was Mariska Jenkins from CCEP, selected for her outstanding concept, which proposed a data hub (LINK) for retailers and suppliers, using data insights for incremental sales and personalised promotions.

NZACS Awards 2026

Best Service to Stores – Packaged Products – Coca Cola

Best Service to Stores – Chilled & Frozen – Tip Top

Best Admin Support to Stores – Signature

Best Delivery Service to Stores – Cookie Time / Coca Cola

Most Consistent Stock Supply to Stores – Cookie Time

Best Head Office Service & Support – Large Supplier Suntory

Best Head Office Service & Support – Medium Supplier Signature

Best National Retail Group Store Execution – BP

Key Account Manager of the Year – Jesse McLorinan (Suntory)

Category Manager of the Year – Daryl Webster (Z)

Supreme Supplier Award – Signature

Supreme National Retailer – Z

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