MEDIA RELEASE: Monday 1 December, 2025
The Pure Food Co’s reputation as an international food technology trailblazer has received another boost after it was one of the big winners at the New Zealand International Business Awards.
The Auckland-based startup, which produces specialised meals for seniors, took out the Best Medium Business category and was a finalist for the Supreme Award.
The Pure Food Co has experienced rapid growth in Australia, where its texture modified meal system is embedded in more than 500 aged care facilities across the country, and it has also expanded into Europe.
In announcing the winner at a gala event at Auckland’s Viaduct Event Centre on Thursday night, judges highlighted The Pure Food Co’s “clear social purpose, strong commercial growth and commitment to health outcomes”.
The recognition comes after the company last year won at the Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards in Singapore, and co-founders Sam Bridgewater and Maia Royal won their category at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Mr Bridgewater said the New Zealand International Business Award was recognition of The Pure Food Co’s “headspinning” global growth journey, particularly in Australia.
“We only began working with our first Australian care provider six years ago; now we’re the market leader in texture modified food and have partnered with some of Australia’s largest aged care operators,” Mr Bridgewater said.
“Australia is now the biggest part of our business and we’re well established in Europe, where the opportunity to grow in a market of that magnitude has got us really excited.
“The problem we set out to solve is a problem affecting older people right across the globe, so it’s only natural that we have global ambitions. We’ve always said we want to nourish the world’s seniors – not just New Zealand’s – so this award is a real affirmation of our founding vision.”
Mr Bridgewater said the award belonged to the entire team at The Pure Food Co.
“We’ve got amazing people from Auckland to Perth, Melbourne to Paris – and so many places in between – who are really passionate about making the lives of some of society’s most vulnerable people better.
“This award is a testament to the passion, determination and kindness that they show up with every single day.”