New Zealand’s very own innovative miniature apple company Rockit has won the Supreme Award, and the Founder of perfume house, Abel the Inspiring Women Leader Award at the 2022 New Zealand International Business Awards (NZIBA).

The two innovative companies have won notable awards at NZIBA acknowledging their success in their respective industries.

20 years into the business and selling across 30 different countries, Rockit is a company that offers snack-sized apples to give customers a convenient experience.

Rockit took home the Award for Best Large Business and Supreme Award for their achievement in the competitive global marketplace.

“Fortunately, we’ve been able to rely on our incredible team and our unyielding enthusiasm to pull us through, and it’s paid dividends,” says Rockit CEO, Mark O’Donnell.

“With the commitment of our growers, the support of our investors, the quick thinking of our office-based teams and compelling clever marketing across multiple digital, social and retail touchpoints, we’ve continued to thrive in spite of weather challenges and market headwinds.”

He adds that being recognised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is “huge” alongside other successful and ground-breaking Kiwi companies.

“We’re delighted to be honoured with this award. It’s testament to the huge energy and enthusiasm of our entire team across the globe, who dare to be different, always go the extra mile and consistently deliver excellence to the consumer,” he says.

NZIBA judges commented that Rockit demonstrated awareness of the risks by the business and thus had a strategic focus on maintaining consistency across their brand.

“They’ve executed this so well that they can partner with big global brands and beat other apple products significantly, which is great evidence of success,” says the judges.

Rockit saw a revenue growth of 45 percent in 2021 compared to 2020, with their largest and strongest market being China, which saw an incredible 25 percent growth.

O’Donnell says that Rockit is aiming to be the world’s most loved apple brand and in order to achieve this have set the bar very high in every aspect of their business from operation to innovations and across every part of their supply chain.

Read more: The perfume start-up making a stand

Frances Shoemack, founder of Abel took home the Inspiring Women Leader Award for 2022 for pioneering the natural perfume industry.

Taking a stand against unregulated industry giants by being transparent about what is in their products, Shoemack has been able to grow her brand and ethos on to the world stage.

Sold in more than 25 countries and upwards of 200 stores, 80 percent of their revenue comes from exports, making Abel a global force.

NZIBA judges recognise Shoemack’s unwavering commitment to women and business, which is shown in her all female team and a workplace that supports flexible work conditions and more.

The judges described Shoemack as a “genuine and transparent individual who leads with a faithful outlook for a real, natural and sustainable future”,.

The success of Abel has been phenomenal, with the business receiving a $1.35 million funding round led by Maker Capital, a venture capital firm with a focus on investing in purpose-driven brands set for international growth.

“On a personal level, I feel really encouraged to be part of the 2 percent of female-founded companies that receive VC funding and driven to see that percentage increase,” says Shoemack.