The Deloitte Fast 50, which recognises New Zealand's most dynamic and high-growth businesses, has announced its 2026 regional category winners.
The programme consists of two indices: the Fast 50 index celebrates businesses that have achieved remarkable revenue growth over the past three years, while the Master of Growth index recognises mature businesses that have achieved sustained growth over five years.
This year's theme, Tuned into the Future, spotlighted businesses that spotted opportunities early, made decisions with conviction and moved before others did.
Auckland-based business Forty Thieves Nut Butters won the Fastest-Growing Food & Beverage Business in Auckland and the Upper North Island award at the 2026 Deloitte Fast 50 Regional Awards.
Founded in 2016 by Shyr and Brent Godfrey, Forty Thieves has grown organically from a small start-up into New Zealand's fastest-growing peanut butter brand.
Today, the company produces around 30,000 jars each week and is stocked in more than 500 supermarkets nationwide, including Woolworths, New World and PAK'nSAVE.
Alongside its growth in New Zealand, Forty Thieves has continued to expand internationally, exporting to Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Its most recent milestone has been across the Tasman, securing distribution in 1,200 independent supermarkets across Australia through IGA.
“Ten years ago, we started Forty Thieves with the goal of creating healthy, delicious nut butters to fuel everyday and epic adventures. Today, we're New Zealand's fastest-growing peanut butter brand, and it feels like we're only getting started,” said Shyr Godfrey, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Forty Thieves.
“We're incredibly proud of this achievement and excited to have our growth recognised as a family-owned New Zealand food manufacturer.”
The award comes at a significant time for Forty Thieves, with the business recently expanding its Silverdale manufacturing facility and investing in new production machinery to meet growing demand in New Zealand and overseas.
Despite strong competition in the category, Forty Thieves has continued to gain market share by focusing on quality products, strong retail partnerships and building a brand that connects with Kiwi consumers.
“As a smaller, independent business, we've had to be resourceful, move quickly and make the most of opportunities as they come along. This recognition is a credit to our team and the hard work that's gone into building Forty Thieves over the past decade,” added Godfrey.
With further product innovation and international expansion on the horizon, Forty Thieves looks ahead to its next chapter of growth while remaining committed to local manufacturing and supporting New Zealand's food industry.
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