Boutique maker Little ‘Lato’s Vegan Mango Lassi Gelato and a Milk Chocolate Ice Cream from New Zealand Natural Ice Cream have been awarded NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards Supreme Champion status – making them the two finest frozen treats in the country in 2024.
This year’s 19 trophy winners are a roll call of New Zealand’s finest makers from; Much Moore Ice Cream Co – awarded the most medals of any 2024 entrant, New Zealand Natural Ice Cream and Lewis Road Creamery through to boutique makers with scoop stores like Patagonia Chocolates from Queenstown, Auckland’s Little ‘Lato and Charlies Gelato from Matakana.
In late July more than 230 entries in the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards were assessed by a panel of 20 food judges led by new Chief Judge, Geoff Scott. After careful deliberation, 169 gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded; with the top gold medal winners considered in the category champion taste-off, which resulted in 19 trophies being bestowed upon the finest Kiwi-made ice cream and gelato creations at an awards cocktail party in Auckland.
Classic Kiwi Six Pack
Commenting on the quality of this year’s entries, Chief Judge Geoff Scott noted there were many outstanding products. “The ones that stood out for me were the category champions, displaying superb ‘honest’ flavours, they were well-constructed with perfect mouthfeel. As someone born with a sweet tooth – and loving sorbet, gelato and ice cream equally – it’s impossible for me to single out one favourite. However, if push came to shove and I was sent off to an island, I’d have to be honest – I’d take two gelato, two sorbet, and two ice creams! The classic Kiwi six pack!”
Commenting on Chelsea Sugar Supreme Boutique Champion, Little ‘Lato, Mango Lassi Vegan Gelato, Geoff Scott said; “This gelato casts a spell over you from the very first bite! The perfumed mango and lassi flavours are magnificently displayed with a luxurious textural mouthfeel. Are we being tricked here? Is this actually vegan? This gelato really is absolute magic!”
Boutique Champion was one of five trophies for regular NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards winner, Little ‘Lato. As well as being named Chelsea Sugar Supreme Boutique Champion Little ‘Lato, Mango Lassi Vegan Gelato was Tetra Pak Dairy-Free Champion. Little ‘Lato, Sour Cream Lemon & Berries Gelato was awarded Sensient Technologies Gelato Champion and the RD 2 International New to Market Champion. Its Hazelnut Chocolate Gelato picked up Hawkins Watts Best of New Zealand Produce Champion.
Gelato University
Little ‘Lato was founded by Hannah Engelsman in 2017 after she attended Italy’s Gelato University, which affirmed her passion for gelato making. Hannah’s dedication to the craft has been a driving force behind Little ‘Lato’s success. Little ‘Lato prides itself on creating gelato that not only tastes great but also caters to various dietary needs, offering vegan and dairy-free options without compromising on flavour or texture. The Supreme Champion accolade comes as Little ‘Lato prepares to open its first Auckland scoop store on Ponsonby Road.
Geoff drew upon memories of growing up when describing Hall’s Cold Chain Logistics Supreme Champion, New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Milk Chocolate Ice Cream; “This ice cream encapsulates the flavours and deliciousness of a childhood first milk chocolate bar experience. The chocolatey richness on the palate with an indulgent creamy texture – you can’t stop eating, it’s just fantastic!”
Supreme Champion was among four trophies for New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, its Milk Chocolate Ice Cream was also awarded DKSH & Belcolade Chocolate Ice Cream Award Champion. It received IFF Premium Vanilla Ice Cream Champion for its New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Killinchy Gold Pure Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and affirmed its credibility for frozen yoghurt, being named NZ Ice Cream Association Low Fat Ice Cream or Frozen Yoghurt Champion for its Forestberry Frozen Yoghurt.
Sharpened Creativity & Sustainability
An exciting winner was Sensient Technologies Cherry Blossom Snowstorm, which was the Invita NZ Open Creative Champion. This category challenges makers to sharpen their creativity and make something new, that doesn’t have to be commercially available. Geoff said Cherry Blossom Snowstorm showed, “clever use of spritzy acid and floral yuzu. Great texture and flavour. A cooling, soothing ice cream set against a sharp, punchy ripple.”
For the first time, this year’s awards included recognition for sustainable business practice with Fiona Stephenson from the Sustainable Business Network, judging this accolade. Handing this award to Charlies Gelato from Matakana, Fiona said, “Charlies Gelato is leading the way in sustainability with impressive environmental initiatives. They’ve installed 48 solar panels to harness renewable energy and use filtered rainwater in their gelato and sorbetto production, reducing their environmental footprint. They grow spray-free fruit on site, reducing the need for transport.
Their participation in Auckland Council’s Taurikura initiative highlights their openness to learning and continuous improvement in sustainability practices. Charlies also places a strong emphasis on supporting the local Matakana community by contributing to local sports teams, schools and organisations like the Lions, paying above the minimum wage and employing local residents.” Charlies Gelato also won a trophy for its Passionfruit Sorbet which was named NZ Ice Cream Association New Member Champion. Geoff Scott’s tasting note said, “Clean and refreshing with great texture and a wonderful ’true’ passionfruit flavour – just delicious!”
NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Trophy Winners 2024
SUPREME CHAMPIONS
Little ‘Lato, Mango Lassi Vegan Gelato
Chelsea Sugar Supreme Boutique Champion
New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Milk Chocolate Ice Cream
Hall’s Cold Chain Logistics Supreme Champion
CATEGORY CHAMPION AWARDS
Much Moore Ice Cream Co, Wonders Vanilla Ice Cream
Formula Foods Classic Vanilla Ice Cream Champion
Patagonia Chocolates, Dulce de Leche
Bonson Packaging Classic Flavoured Ice Cream Champion
New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Killinchy Gold Pure Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
IFF Premium Vanilla Ice Cream Champion
Lewis Road Creamery, Chocolate Truffle with Chocolate Ganache
Americold Premium Flavoured Ice Cream Champion
New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Milk Chocolate Ice Cream
DKSH & Belcolade Chocolate Ice Cream Award Champion
Patagonia Chocolates, Dark Chocolate Sorbet
DKSH & Belcolade Chocolate Gelato or Sorbet Champion
Little ‘Lato, Sour Cream Lemon & Berries Gelato
Sensient Technologies Gelato Champion
Patagonia Chocolates, Raspberry Sorbet
Infruit Sorbet Champion
Little ‘Lato, Hazelnut Chocolate Gelato
Hawkins Watts Best of New Zealand Produce Champion
Little ‘Lato, Sour Cream Lemon & Berries Gelato
RD 2 International New to Market Champion
Sensient Technologies
Cherry Blossom Snowstorm (Sakura-fubuki)
Invita NZ Open Creative Champion
Little ‘Lato, Mango Lassi Vegan Gelato
Tetra Pak Dairy-Free Champion
New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Forestberry Frozen Yoghurt
NZ Ice Cream Association Low Fat Ice Cream or Frozen Yoghurt Champion
Much Moore Ice Cream Co, Private Label Vanilla Ice Cream (1 Litre)
Primary ITO Export Ice Cream Champion
Charlies Gelato, Passionfruit Sorbetto
NZ Ice Cream Association New Member Champion
Patagonia Chocolates, Vanilla & Cookies
Pacific Flavours & Ingredients Kids’ Choice Champion
Charlies Gelato
NZ Ice Cream Association Sustainability Champion
