Six innovative Kiwi businesses are now preparing to pitch their products at the final of New World Emerge 2026.
Designed to uncover the next generation of grocery innovators, New World Emerge has given suppliers the opportunity to secure ranging opportunities in New World stores while also receiving expert support to help scale their businesses.
This year's finalists represent a diverse mix of innovation from across the food, beverage and pet categories:
• Symbiota – Daily Focus Sachets
• Rebel and You – High Protein Cottage Cheese
• Revivealicious – Wopples
• The Naked Possum – Dog and Cat Treats
• Boost Blocks
• NOONCHA – Ready-to-Drink Matcha
Foodstuffs North Island, New Zealand, Managing Director Chris Quin said while getting products onto supermarket shelves has often been seen as the ultimate prize, Emerge has been designed to provide founders with much more than retail exposure.
"Many entrepreneurs have fantastic products, but scaling a business requires a much broader set of skills," said Quin.
"Emerge is about helping founders understand what it takes to build a sustainable grocery brand. That's why we've teamed up with experts from across the FMCG sector who can provide practical support, mentoring and advice long after the competition ends."
For New World stores, the programme also plays an important role in bringing fresh ideas and innovation to customers.
Throughout the programme, finalists work alongside a network of industry partners who help prepare them for the realities of growing a national grocery business. Finalists also receive a consumer testing masterclass and support launching their first consumer research projects.
New World Prestons, Owner Operator Julia Spence said that customers expect New World to be a place where they can find quality, innovation and great local products, and Emerge helps us deliver exactly that.
Foodstuffs South Island, CEO Mary Devine, added that this combination of support is what makes New World Emerge unique.
"Launching a product nationally requires expertise across manufacturing, operations, consumer insights, marketing, merchandising and commercial planning. The strength of Emerge is that it brings together a network of experts who genuinely want to help the next generation of Kiwi suppliers succeed."
The New World Emerge final will be held at Foodstuffs Landing Drive on the 15th of July.
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