Lemon & Berry, Salted Caramel & White Chocolate, Ginger & Turmeric, Biscotti, Chocolate Hazelnut, Rum & Raisin and Vietnamese Iced Coffee are all medal winners at the 2024 New Zealand Ice Cream & Gelato Awards.
A panel of 20 food judges, led by new Chair of Judges Geoff Scott, took on the delicious task of evaluating (i.e. tasting) 233 entries with meticulous attention to detail in late July.
After careful deliberation, 169 medals were awarded – 60 gold, 66 silver and 44 bronze – to the best New Zealand made ice cream and gelato creations. As a result, 72% of the entries were recognised with a medal, recognising the finest quality and taste.
Mr Scott said there had been a big increase in submissions from smaller gelaterias this year, including Charlie’s Gelato in Matakana, Float and Flow in Epsom, Takapuna Beach Cafe, Mrs Ferg Gelateria in Queenstown, Sparrow & Sweet in Pukekohe and Subiz Desserts in Mount Roskill. He said this meant more small scale, artisanal products were recognised.
Gelato Love Affair
“New Zealanders’ love of gelato is growing and this is reflected in the record number of entries with 39 gelatos winning medals. Sorbets offer their signature palate-cleansing refreshment and this category presented the judges with a number of fruity examples using passion fruit, mango, raspberry, apricot and lemon.”
Families who buy ice cream in bulk from supermarkets are not being overlooked on quality either. The premium flavours and premium vanilla ice cream categories performed well, reflecting the superior quality of New Zealand takeaway ice cream packs. Popular flavours included Strawberries & Cream, Banana Split, Fig & Honey and Chocolate Truffle with Chocolate Ganache.
Medal winners include some of New Zealand’s finest ice cream brands, from Much Moore Ice Cream, New Zealand Natural and New Zealand Creameries to boutique makers such as Patagonia Chocolate in Queenstown, Applebee Farms in Nelson and Little Lato and Island Gelato in Auckland.
Enchanting taste
This year’s NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards shine a light on the incredible talent and innovation in New Zealand’s ice cream and gelato industry. The competition showcases stunning flavours, textures and styles that demonstrate the dedication and passion of the makers behind these frozen treats. From classic favourites to bold and inventive combinations, the winners have set the standard of excellence in the New Zealand ice cream and gelato industry.
The top gold medal winners will be eligible to win a Category Champion Award and the 2024 trophy winners will be announced at the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards Gala Cocktail Party in Auckland on Thursday 29 August. For the full list of winners, please visit NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards Medal Winner For more information about the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2024, new zealand
