Aussie brewers, entries are now open for the 2025 NZ Beer Awards – including a new Aussie trophy!
The New Zealand Beer Awards 2025, New Zealand’s premier beer competition, is now accepting entries. Managed by the Brewers Guild of New Zealand, this prestigious event celebrates excellence in brewing and industry-wide achievements.
Now in its 19th year, the competition welcomes commercial brewers of all production sizes across New Zealand and Australia. Last year, the awards attracted over 700 entries from more than 70 exhibiting breweries, and organisers anticipate another strong turnout this year.
Guild Executive Director Melanie Kees said, “We are really looking forward to this year’s competition and to celebrating quality beer. We’re also excited to introduce a new trophy— Champion Australian Brewery—welcoming breweries from across the Tasman to the competition.”
The New Zealand Beer Awards offer brewers the opportunity to compete across a variety of categories, including champion brewery trophies, industry awards, and beer style trophies, culminating in two of the most highly coveted awards: Champion New Zealand Brewing Company and Champion New Zealand Beer.
Year after year, the number of medals awarded continues to grow, reflecting the exceptional quality of beer and the expertise of brewers nationwide.
Judging will take place at Riccarton Park in Christchurch in July, supported by a dedicated team of nearly 60 volunteers. Kees noted, “The New Zealand Beer Awards are a well-oiled machine, thanks to judges, trainee judges, stewards, and staff who work together to pour, serve, taste, and score the hundreds of entries. This event wouldn’t be possible without their passion and, of course, the generous sponsors who help bring it to life each year.”
Beyond beer excellence, the competition also highlights packaging, sustainability, and beer tourism through additional industry awards.
Winners will be announced at the New Zealand Beer Awards Gala Dinner in Christchurch on August 2.
For entry details and more information, visit: https://brewersguild.org.nz/nz-beer-awards-2025. Entries close on Friday, June 27.
For more information please contact: Melanie Kees, 0275 460 888