Key Takeaways
- Annabel Caldwell, a leader in sustainable food innovation, is recognized for her role at Good & Humble, enhancing local oat milk production.
- The Top 50 Women in Food and Drink Aotearoa honors influential women in New Zealand’s food sector, with a focus on collaboration and leadership.
- Nominations for the next awards open soon after the ceremony on March 9, 2026, encouraging the recognition of women in the industry.
Sustainable Leadership in Food Innovation
Annabel Caldwell is making significant strides in sustainable food innovation as the Innovation and Quality Manager at Good & Humble, previously Otis Oat Milk. A University of Otago graduate with a Bachelor’s in Food Science and Marketing, Caldwell’s early career included positions at Goodman Fielder before she took on her current role. Here, she oversees the development of new products that harmonize science, creativity, and sustainability.
Under Caldwell’s leadership, Good & Humble has shifted its oat milk production to a dedicated facility in Auckland, utilizing locally sourced oats. This move supports New Zealand’s manufacturing capacity and significantly increases production to 50 million litres annually. Caldwell expresses pride in being recognized as a young leader in the food science and technology sectors, hoping to inspire other youths to embark on similar paths filled with opportunities.
This year, other notable nominees included Professor Tracy Berno from Auckland University of Technology, known for her work on sustainable food systems, and Kelsi Boocock, founder of a rapidly expanding functional drinks brand.
Honoring Influential Women in the Food Sector
The Top 50 Women in Food and Drink Aotearoa, a collaborative initiative with Cuisine Magazine, aims to celebrate influential women in New Zealand’s food and beverage industry. The initiative serves to connect women across this sector, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and leadership. Two representatives from Massey University made this year’s list: Joanne Hort, an acclaimed sensory science expert heading the university’s Food Experience and Sensory Testing (Feast) Lab, and Nikki Middleditch, General Manager of FoodPilot, who has over three decades of experience supporting food companies with innovation and technical challenges.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ emphasizes generosity and collaboration, factors that influenced the Advisory Board’s selections for the Top 50 women. Kelli Brett, Director and Cuisine Editor, highlighted the importance of recognizing often-overlooked women who contribute significantly to the industry. She stated, “When clever people like these come together, opportunities and support will increase. When women thrive, we all rise.”
Nominations for the next Top 50 Women in Food and Drink will open shortly after the awards ceremony on March 9, 2026, encouraging participation from those wishing to honor women making notable contributions in the food and drink sector.
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