The 2022 New Zealand Ice Cream & Gelato Awards celebrate 25 years this year, with the addition of two exciting new categories and a new name that encompasses the continued growth of gelato alongside ice cream in New Zealand.
After Covid caused the cancellation of last year’s awards the NZ Ice Cream Manufacturers Association (NZICMA) has announced the opening for entries in the 2022 New Zealand Ice Cream & Gelato Awards.
Making the announcement, NZICMA President Karl Tiefenbacher said they were delighted to be hosting the awards for the 25th time.
“The awards are a major event for boutique and commercial ice cream, gelato and sorbet makers from across the Aotearoa. The awards provide us with an opportunity to celebrate our craft and to share the joy of ice cream and gelato with Kiwis. After limited opportunities for networking, we’re looking forward to catching up with industry colleagues celebrating our industry and naming the New Zealand Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2022 Trophy Winners in Auckland on Thursday September 1, 2022.”
For the second year Chief Judge Jackie Matthews will preside over a panel of up to 30 judges for the judging which is planned for the weekend of July 23 and 24 in Auckland.
Jackie noted that with a quarter of a century of history the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards continue to evolve. For the first time this year judges will assess novelty ice creams. For the purpose of judging, a novelty is defined as; a’ New Zealand-made hand-held ice cream, gelato or sorbet: an ice cream bar, pre-packaged cone or cup, a sandwich or any type of ice cream, gelato or ice on a stick.’ Karl said adding this category reflects the important role novelty ice creams play in the country’s consumption.
Innovation is being added as a special category this year. A special Innovation award will encourage industry creativity. Jackie says this category will consider many elements over and above the flavour combination. For example, judges may review packaging, production techniques and ingredient sourcing.
Each year the awards have a special category to showcase flavour and for 2022 it’s ‘Best of Chocolate’. Jackie says ice cream and gelato makers are being encouraged to submit ice cream, gelato, sorbet and dairy free treats with chocolate as the hero flavour.
Judging will be held at Onehunga High School’s new Technology Centre on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July 2022. Medal winners will be announced on Monday 22 August 2022, before the Association hold the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards Gala Dinner at Mantell’s Tamaki Drive on September 1, 2022.
The awards, run by the NZ Ice Cream Manufacturers Association (NZICMA), have been held since 1997. The New Zealand Ice Cream & Gelato Awards are the country’s only national ice cream, gelato, sorbet, dairy-free and low-fat frozen confectionery products competition, benchmarking Aotearoa’s best.
Entry is online www.nzicecreamawards.co.nz
