A legacy of innovation, service, and industry leadership
Great businesses are built on strong foundations, but truly remarkable ones leave behind a legacy. For more than 30 years, Hawkins Watts has not only supplied world-class food ingredients but has also shaped the industry with its innovation, technical expertise, and customer-first approach says Alan Bulmer, general manager of technical and strategy.
At the heart of it all was Peter Hawkins — described as a leader whose vision and values continue to inspire the company today.
The journey began in 1992 when a multinational food ingredients company exited the New Zealand market. Recognising an opportunity, Hawkins founded Hawkins Watts with a vision to deliver high-quality speciality ingredients backed by technical expertise, exceptional service, and added value for customers.
From the outset, Hawkins invested in a well-equipped in-house laboratory, enabling his team to support customers with complex technical challenges. In 2007, value-added manufacturing was brought in-house to offer bespoke ingredient solutions, helping manufacturers streamline their processes with ready-to-use formulations.
“As the company grew, it expanded into Australia in the early 2000s and also established AWS Group, a business dedicated to providing safer sanitation solutions through both innovative sustainable chemistry and conventional chemistry offerings for the food and beverage industry and beyond,” says Bulmer.
The essence of an owner and innovator
Hawkins had an innate ability to find solutions and was revered by staff for his unwavering support and genuine interest in their lives. Whether celebrating their successes or offering a listening ear during tough times, his presence left a lasting impact on those around him.
“His philanthropic nature extended well beyond the workplace. A passionate advocate for conservation, Peter was deeply involved with the Motuihe Trust, an organisation dedicated to restoring Motuihe Island to its natural state,” says Bulmer. Hawkins spent weekends planting trees and encouraged friends and colleagues to participate — often ferrying them to the island himself. He also supported various charitable organisations, including the Westpac Helicopter Foundation and the Cancer Society, driven by his strong belief in giving back to the community.
“Peter also had a way with words. His favourite sayings, such as ‘Any fitter, and I’d be dangerous’ and ‘How’re sales? I see expenses are up,’ have been memorialised on the walls of the Hawkins Watts office, a daily reminder of his humour and sharp business acumen.”
Honouring the legacy
Today, Hawkins Watts upholds his legacy through strong community ties. Recently, the company has organised volunteer days on Motuihe Island, keeping Hawkins’ conservation dedication alive. His ‘customer-first’ philosophy endures, with Hawkins Watts maintaining strong relationships with customers and suppliers, always striving for exceptional service and support.
To commemorate his life and contributions, Hawkins Watts has launched the Peter Hawkins Food Technology Scholarship in partnership with Massey University. This scholarship, which supports fourth-year students in Massey University’s Bachelor of Food Technology (Honours) programme, provides $10,000 in financial assistance as well as a paid work opportunity with Hawkins Watts.
“Peter was deeply passionate about fostering talent within the food industry, and this scholarship ensures that his legacy continues by supporting future food technologists as they take their first steps into the industry. Hawkins Watts is proud to announce the inaugural recipient of this scholarship — Emma Stewart,” says Bulmer.
Innovation and growth
Over the years, Hawkins Watts has become synonymous with expertise in texture, flavour and colour solutions, supporting the development of some of the region’s most innovative food and beverage products. More recently, the company has been expanding its health and nutrition offerings, focusing on key areas of mental wellbeing, mobility, inner wellbeing, and women’s health.
“2025 marks an exciting period of growth, with significant facility upgrades underway. Warehouse and manufacturing improvements are being made to enhance production capacity and efficiency, making it even easier for customers to integrate Hawkins Watts’ value-added ingredient solutions into their processes. Additionally, the company is expanding its R&D laboratories and adding more analytical equipment to accommodate increasing demand for innovative ingredient development.”
Hawkins Watts has also recently achieved another AA rating under the BRC Global Standard, reinforcing its commitment to food safety, quality, and excellence.
“As AWS Group continues to expand, it is seeing significant growth particularly among dairy, produce, and beverage manufacturers, and more recently, within the poultry industry.”
Looking ahead
“As Hawkins Watts looks to the future, it remains deeply committed to the values instilled by Peter Hawkins — integrity, service, innovation, and a dedication to customers and community,” says Bulmer.
With a strong foundation built over 32 years, the company continues to evolve, embracing new opportunities and driving the future of food and beverage innovation while honouring the legacy of a remarkable founder.
Sponsored content: For more information phone Alan Bulmer 021 744 466, email alan@hawkinswatts.com or visit www.hawkinswatts.com.
