New World Havelock North’s Delicatessen has been named Delicatessen of the Year at the New World Retail Awards 2026, recognising the best Delicatessen in New World’s North Island co-operative.
“This award belongs to every single person on our Deli team who works hard each day to serve this community,” said Richard Lucas, Owner-Operator of New World Havelock North.
“Our customer service sets us apart from the majority of stores, and that comes down to our incredible Deli assistants and Chefs. We’re always pushing to bring in new artisan ranges and innovate, raising the bar on quality while keeping that independent feel our customers love.
As an independent, locally owned and operated store, we’re incredibly proud of this team and grateful to the Havelock North community for their support.”
The Deli team was recognised for its consistently high standards, quality and presentation, as well as its role in delivering an outstanding customer experience for the Havelock North community. The Deli stands apart with its French Rotisserie Chicken, chef-made hot meals ready in-store from breakfast to dinner for easy meal planning, and a specialty selection of cheeses and meats you won’t find at other New World stores.
The store’s butchery was also recognised as Highly Commended at this year’s awards. The butchery team’s skilled butchers bring a hands-on, craft approach to the counter, offering a dry-aged beef range that stands out from other stores in the network and reflects the same commitment to quality and customer experience that runs throughout New World Havelock North.
At the heart of this win is the Lucas family philosophy, pushing past standard supermarket norms to offer quality, service, and personal care that feels more like a specialty food store than a typical supermarket. The family’s connection to the New World group runs deep, and this year’s award is a proud moment in that history, a reflection of the dedication to quality, community, and retail excellence that’s been carried through their years with the co-operative.
The New World Retail Awards celebrate the top-performing stores and departments from across New World’s North Island network, judged on criteria including quality, presentation, customer service, and community involvement.
New World Havelock North will now proudly display the Deli of the Year title, marking a standout achievement for the Hawke’s Bay store and its team. The store’s butchery was also recognised as Highly Commended at this year’s awards. Richard Lucas closed by saying “there is more innovation to come, so watch this space.”
