Entries open for MOYA 2026

The International Fresh Produce Association Australia New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ) and Produce Plus Magazine are pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 Marketer of the Year Award (MOYA).

Now in its 15^th year, MOYA continues to recognise outstanding achievement in the field of marketing within the Australasian fresh produce and floral industries.

The award is open to any individual or team, with nominees sought from all parts of the value chain. Each nomination is judged on the ability to develop and execute a highly visible and effective marketing campaign. This includes any campaigns conducted in Australia and New Zealand and international campaigns conducted by Australasian entities.

Three finalists will be selected from the field of entries and will deliver presentations on their campaigns at the annual MOYA showcase held at the largest horticulture conference and trade show in Australasia – Hort Connections – in Adelaide on 1-4 June 2026.

The winner will be presented at the Hort Connections Gala Dinner as part of the 2026 Horticulture Awards for Excellence on 4 June 2026.

IFPA A-NZ managing director Belinda Wilson said: “MOYA continues to highlight the creativity, innovation and strategic thinking that drives our industry forward, across both domestic and export markets.

“As businesses navigate rapidly evolving expectations, proactive and strategic marketing can play a critical role in keeping business adaptable and resilient.

“We’re proud to partner with Produce Plus Magazine to recognise and celebrate the marketing excellence that supports the growth and vibrancy of our fresh produce and floral sector. “

Produce Plus Editor Liam O’Callaghan said MOYA showcased the very best of fresh produce marketing and encouraged marketers to nominate ongoing campaigns. 

“Each year the bar is raised by increasingly impressive nominations, marketers are coming up with new and innovative ways to connect with consumers and MOYA celebrates this excellence,” O’Callaghan said. 

“A new year brings new iterations for marketing campaigns. Changes that can deliver improved performance and could make your campaign a winner.”

Self-nominations and nominations by third parties are welcome and must be received by Thursday 9 April 2026.

This year’s winner will join an illustrious honour roll, which includes 2025 winner Sonia Gabauer of Driscoll’s Australia for the Sweetest Batch Strawberries campaign. 

Other MOYA winners include: Kristie Emerson of Perfection Fresh for Quke O’Qlock (202); Belinda Van Schaik of Hort Innovation for the ‘Australian Mangoes’ campaign (2023); Costa Group’s Elisa Siliato for the Perino Tomato - Hit the Sweet Spot’ campaign (2022); the ‘A better choice!’ marketing team for the ‘Shop & Win’ campaign (2021); Pinnacle Fresh with its ‘Dracula Citrus’ campaign (2020); Olivia Grey of Hort Innovation for the ‘Hailstorm Heroes’ campaign (2019); T&G Global’s marketing team for the ‘Lotatoes Potatoes’ campaign (2018); Compac’s Matt Stillwell for the ‘Spectrim launch’ campaign (2017); Matthew Crouch for the ‘Sumo Citrus’ brand awareness campaign (2016); the Harris Farm Markets team for its ‘Imperfect Picks’ campaign (2015); OneHarvest for its ‘Love Beets’ campaign (2014); Lisa Cork for the ‘Love Kumara rebranding project’ for Delta Produce (2013); and Sarah McRae for her marketing of the Mahana Red Apple in New Zealand (2012).

To learn more about the award and the winning campaigns, visit the MOYA website, which features exclusive interviews with all past winners from Produce Plus Magazine.

To submit a nomination, click HERE or follow the tabs under the ‘Awards’ page on the Hort Connections website.

For more information on MOYA, please contact:

Liam O’Callaghan
Produce Plus
liam@fruitnet.com 

Tim Withers
IFPA A-NZ
twithers@freshproduce.com