Professor Named in Top 50 Most Influential Women in Food and Drink

10 March 2026

Professor Joanne Hort is a finalist in the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand’s Top 50 Most Influential & Inspiring Women in Food & Drink Awards.

The awards recognise inspiring women in the food and drink industry who are making significant contributions to the culinary landscape of New Zealand.

Professor Hort is the Fonterra-Riddet Chair in Consumer and Sensory Science at Massey University, and she is a Principal Investigator and the Associate Director (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) at the Riddet Institute. Professor Hort is also director of Massey University’s Food Experience and Sensory Testing Lab (Feast).

Her research explores how consumers perceive food across cultures and environments, shaping product development worldwide. With more than 130 publications and global leadership roles, Professor Hort is a passionate advocate for women in STEM, mentoring future scientists and bridging academia with industry. 

This recognition reflects Professor Hort’s leadership and global impact in consumer and sensory science. The influence of this work extends from fundamental sensory science through to real-world consumer understanding and industry application.