Lemon & Berries, Salted Caramel & White Chocolate, Ginger & Turmeric, Biscotti, Chocolate Hazelnut, Rum & Raisin and Vietnamese Iced Coffee are among the medal-winning delights in the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2024.
A panel of 20 food judges, led by new Chief Judge Geoff Scott, had the tasty task of evaluating (aka tasting ), 233 entries with meticulous attention to detail in late July.
After careful deliberation, 169 medals were awarded. Among these, an impressive 60 Gold Medals, 66 Silver Medals, and 44 Bronze Medals were bestowed upon the finest Kiwi-made ice cream and gelato creations. This resulted in 72% of entries being recognised with a medal acknowledging premium quality and flavour.
Scott says this year was marked by a significant increase in entries from boutique scoop stores such as; Charlies Gelato in Matakana, Float and Flow in Epsom, Takapuna Beach Café, Mrs Ferg Gelateria in Queenstown, Sparrow & Sweet in Pukekohe and Subi’s Desserts in Mt Roskill. He says this meant many more small-batch handmade products were assessed.
Gelato Love Affair
“Kiwis’ growing love affair with gelato was reflected with record gelato entries with 39 receiving medals. Sorbet delivered on its signature palate-cleansing zing with the category giving judges lots of fruity examples using passionfruit, mango, raspberry, apricot and lemon.”
Families buying in larger formats from supermarkets weren’t overlooked in the quality stakes either. Premium Flavoured and Premium Vanilla ice cream categories performed strongly reflecting the great quality of take-home ice cream packs in New Zealand. Popular flavours included; Strawberries & Cream, Banana Split, Fig & Honey and Chocolate Truffle with Chocolate Ganache.
Medal winners are a roll call of New Zealand’s finest makers from; Much Moore Ice Cream Co, New Zealand Natural and New Zealand Creameries to boutique makers like Patagonia Chocolates from Queenstown, Appleby Farms in Nelson and Little ‘Lato and Island Gelato Co in Auckland.
Dazzling Flavours
This year’s NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards highlights incredible talent and innovation within New Zealand’s ice cream and gelato industry. The competition is a showcase of dazzling flavours, textures, and styles, each demonstrating the dedication and passion of the makers behind these frozen treats. From classic favourites to daring and inventive combinations, the medal winners set the standard for excellence in the New Zealand ice cream and gelato industry.
The top Gold Medal winners are eligible to win Category Champion awards with 2024 Trophy Winners being announced at the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards Gala Cocktail Party in Auckland on Thursday 29 August. For a list of NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards medal winners and information about the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2024, visit www.nzicecreamandgelato.co.nz
