The 100% New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards Competition Process

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY

Entries will open 18 March 2026 and will close 22 April 2026.

You may enter as many products as you like, but you may only enter each product into one category i.e you can’t enter the same product into multiple categories.

Entry is restricted to PigCare™ Accredited New Zealand bacon and ham, sold at a retail outlet.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING

Public voting for People’s Choice will take place between 29 April - 28 May 2026.

All products entered in the competition will automatically be entered into the People’s Choice Awards. Public voting will be made live on the 29 April on the NZ Pork website. Entrants are encouraged to participate by asking their followers and customers to vote for their store. Voting materials and links will be shared closer to the date.

SEND US YOUR PRODUCT

Please send your entries to arrive with us between Monday 18 - Thursday 21 May 2026.

Please pack your entries appropriately to ensure they stay fresh and send them to us via an overnight courier, we recommend using New Zealand Couriers or Big Chill. As a sponsor of the competition Big Chill offer all entrants chilled transport from their depots to our office in Auckland free of charge.

Bacon entries will be judged in fresh (raw) form and cooked form.

Ham entries will be judged cooked/ready-to-eat.

Further information with address details will be provided with your entry confirmation.

JUDGING

Judging takes place in Auckland on Monday 24 - Wednesday 27 May 2026

All medallists will be advised under embargo, by phone following the judging.

Medallists will be provided with one complimentary dinner ticket to attend the Awards Dinner on Tuesday 30 June 2026 in Auckland, where the 100% New Zealand Pork Bacon and Ham medal winners and Supreme winners will be announced. Location still to be confirmed.