Annabel Caldwell of Good & Humble (previously Otis Oat Milk) has additionally emerged as a frontrunner in sustainable food innovation. A graduate of the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Food Science and Marketing, she started her profession at Goodman Fielder earlier than changing into Innovation and Quality Manager at Good & Humble. In this position, Annabel leads new product growth at the intersection of science, creativity and sustainability. She has helped return the firm’s oat milk manufacturing to a purpose-built facility in Auckland utilizing New Zealand-grown oats, strengthening native manufacturing functionality and enabling manufacturing of as much as 50 million litres yearly.
“Being a young person recognised in food science and tech is a great honour and I hope it encourages more young people to this career path that has endless possibilities for success,” Annabel says.
Also nominated for this yr’s award had been Professor Tracy Berno from Auckland University of Technology, an internationally revered tutorial specialising in resilient and sustainable food techniques, and Kelsi Boocock, founder of a fast-growing useful drinks model.
About the Top 50 Women in Food and Drink Aotearoa
The Top 50 Women in Food and Drink Aotearoa, run in partnership with Cuisine Magazine, recognises influential women throughout New Zealand’s food and beverage sector. The initiative started as a nationwide motion to attach women throughout the trade, supporting information sharing, collaboration and management.
Two women from Massey University had been included on this yr’s record. Internationally-recognised sensory science knowledgeable Joanne Hort is the director of Massey’s Food Experience and Sensory Testing (Feast) Lab, and her analysis explores how customers understand food throughout cultures and environments, shaping product growth worldwide. FoodPilot General Manager Nikki Middleditch has greater than 30 years’ expertise serving to food and beverage firms develop modern merchandise and resolve technical challenges. This yr’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, encourages generosity and collaboration, which guided the Advisory Board’s choice of the Top 50 women.
“I love the recognition of brilliant and often unknown women who, quietly and successfully, grow New Zealand’s food and beverage industry,” Director and Cuisine Editor Kelli Brett says.
“Each one of these women brings knowledge, skills and passion to the industry. When clever people like these come together, opportunities and support will increase. When women thrive, we all rise.”
Nominations for the 2027 Top 50 Women open shortly after the awards ceremony on 9 March 2026. Join the movement or nominate a woman making a difference in food and drink here.