SMC Alumnae Named in Women In Food & Drink NZ Top 50 for 2026

A national celebration of women shaping the future of the country’s food and beverage sector. The annual initiative, led by Women In Food & Drink Aotearoa New Zealand, has grown from a hospitality-focused idea into a powerful network spanning education, health, tourism, wine, beverage, agriculture, aquaculture, media, PR, science, technology, product development and more. Director Kelli Brett says the diversity of careers represented this year highlights the depth of talent driving the industry forward. Kelli says, “When clever people like these come together, opportunities and support increase and when women thrive, we all rise.”

Among those celebrated is St Margaret’s alumna Annabel Caldwell (Y9 2010). 

Annabel Caldwell: Reshaping the Plant-Based Landscape

As Innovation and Quality Manager at Good & Humble (formerly Otis Oat Milk), Annabel Caldwell has helped redefine New Zealand’s plant-based beverage sector. Central to her work was the return of oat-milk production to New Zealand through the country’s first purpose-built plant-based manufacturing facility. Annabel played a key role in growing Otis from start-up to nationally recognised brand, developing products including the award-winning High Fibre Low Fat Oat Milk, named Beverage of the Year 2025. Her work has not only been commercially successful but values-driven, reframing conversations around food that is better for people, lighter on the planet and proudly New Zealand-made. Her recognition in the Top 50 acknowledges both technical excellence and a commitment to sustainable innovation at scale.

How the awards happen

In late 2025, members of the Women In Food & Drink network nominated women who had inspired them over the previous year. Each nomination was carefully evaluated, considering influence, leadership and contribution to Aotearoa’s culinary landscape. The awards will be celebrated on 9 March, when leaders, innovators and emerging voices will gather to honour the achievements of women across the food and drink sector.