The Inside Scoop - June 2026

Kia ora! We have an incredibly busy and exciting few months ahead with the awards and some fantastic learning and networking opportunities. Here's a quick wrap of what is coming up:

NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2026

• Final Call for Entries: Please ensure your entry information is submitted by 5pm, Monday 6 July.

• Awards Tickets Now on Sale: Space is limited, so please book early to secure your spot to celebrate our industry's finest.

Upcoming Educational Webinars

• Scoop by Scoop 12:30pm, Friday 6 August: Join Hannah Englesman, Founder of Little ’Lato, as she shares her journey from Carpigiani Gelato University to winning multiple Supreme Champion awards. Hannah will be sharing the raw, practical lessons of building a nationwide gelato business from scratch.

• The Future of Ice Cream with Mintel 7pm, Tuesday 23 August: We are fortunate to have secured global market research expert Honorata Jarocka to present Mintel’s latest global ice cream and gelato insights. Please note that to protect intellectual property, this session will not be recorded and slides will not be shared, so live attendance is essential.

NZICA Annual Conference 10am–3pm, Thursday 27 August Directly ahead of the Awards Gala Cocktail Party, this year’s conference is dedicated to the art, science, and business of manufacturing and retailing in Aotearoa. We are thrilled culinary icon Peter Gordon ONZM will deliver the keynote address on cross-cultural flavour alchemy. The line-up also includes essential market updates from Chris Tennent-Brown (ASB), practical ways to ease your business load using AI with Oliver Johnson, and a creativity and tasting session hosted by our Awards Head Judge, Geoff Scott. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for your ongoing commitment to making New Zealand’s frozen treats the best in the world. Good luck with the final touches on awards entries!

Dene Brosnan Board Chair, New Zealand Ice Cream Association