The Inside Scoop - July 2024
Judging 2024
On Saturday 20 July Chief Judge Geoff Scott led a team of 22 judges supported by 13 stewards to assess 235 entries from 27 ice cream and gelato makers in this year's NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards.
Highlights included a record number of Gelato entries, a very strong Premium Flavoured Ice Cream class, stunning Sorbets and fabulous creativity in the Open Creative class with flavours including; Salmon and Cream Cheese Gelato, Chilli Margarita Sorbet, Sweet Fried Spices & Caramelised Onion, Porridge & Brown Sugar Gelato, Mulled Wine Poached Pear Sorbet, BBQ Skillet Brownie and Kumara Caramel Walnut Crush!
Medals will be announced on Tuesday 13 August.
NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards Cocktail Party
You’re invited to celebrate this year's NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards Champions at the annual Awards Event. A generous Canape and Walk & Fork menu will be served matched to local wines and craft beer.
6 to 9 pm Thursday 29 August 2024
Akarana Yacht Club, Tamaki Drive, Auckland
Cost: $125 + GST ($143.75) each.
A unique opportunity -Dr Steven Young Technical Workshop
Dr Young is leading an exclusive two-day workshop tailored for New Zealand ice cream manufacturers. This is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to learn directly from a globally recognised business strategist with a proven track record in innovation and market positioning. Bookings close 31 July!
Wednesday 28 August and Thursday 29 August
Remuera Golf Club, Remuera, Auckland
Why Attend?
Gain unmatched market insights: Dr Young’s unparalleled understanding of market dynamics and emerging trends will help you anticipate consumer preferences and outpace competitors.
Refine your product strategy: Learn techniques to formulate unique product recipes that resonate with consumers.
Boost innovation and efficiency: Streamline production processes and introduce innovative flavours that will captivate your audience
Personalised consultation: Only workshop attendees can engage Steven Young for one-on-one business consultation (Friday 30 August, cost is additional to technical workshop)
Welcome to New Sponsors
Primary ITO
Primary ITO is proud to sponsor the Export Category at this year's NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards!
Offering work-based learning for those in our food and fibre sector Primary ITO support learners to gain the skills and knowledge needed for a productive and rewarding career across the primary sectors – including apprenticeships, certificates and short courses in dairy processing.
As an employer, having your team training with Primary ITO means they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to help your business grow.
If you, or someone within your team would be interested in enrolling in one of their courses.
Ice Cream Makers Favourite
Bonson Packaging has been designing and manufacturing award-winning packaging since 1984 and it’s still a family-run business. Working alongside food manufacturers to enhance the presentation of their products whilst ensuring the safety, security and longevity of food contents, Bonson has developed an outstanding reputation for quality and customisation.
Ice cream makers have relied on Bonson’s expertise to develop customised packaging solutions with fantastic shelf appeal thanks to the in-mould labelling (IML) capabilities at Bonson’s Auckland based high-tech production facility.
Bonson is also committed to protecting the environment and minimising impact through responsible business practices and continual improvement.
Welcome to New Members
Charlies Gelato, Matakana
We're excited to welcome Charlies Gelato as a new member. Charlies is considered an institution in Matakana and visitors flock there to enjoy the gelato, sorbetto and seasonal fresh produce made and grown on site.
Charlies make all of their award-winning gelato and sorbetto the same way the Italians do: from scratch, in very small batches. With at least 40 flavours on display, the hardest part is trying to choose which one to have!
Sweet & Sparrow, Pukekohe
Opened in November 2023 Sparrow & Sweet is a small batch artisan gelato shop originating from Pukekohe.
Their community focused team love making and scooping the tastiest fun treats which include gelato and sorbet!
Subi's Ice Creams and Desserts, Mt Roskill
Welcome to new member and new entrant to this year's NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards, Subi's Desserts.
Subi Desserts specialise in making a range of premium Indian ice creams, sorbets, dairy-free desserts and Kulfi.
Check out the unique flavours on offer including Kesar Pista (Saffron from Kashmir and crushed pistachio nuts) and Chikoo (Sapota a sweet brown tropical fruit from India).
Member News
Two new Vanillas from Queen
Queen Professional has two new vanillas - perfect for ice cream and gelato making.
Organic Madagascan Vanilla Extract and Paste is from premium single origin vanilla sourced from the bourbon region in Madagascar, renowned for its exceptional quality vanilla with an intense, sweet and slightly woody flavour profile. This range is Fairtrade Certified and Certified Organic.
Double Concentrated Vanilla Extract is formulated with premium vanilla beans to deliver an intense flavour infusion that is ideal when you’re looking to add vanilla notes without additional liquid. Boasting a rich, syrupy consistency, this extract is a perfect partner for producing ice cream.