Next big export sweet success?
New Zealand ice cream makers are somewhat in agreement with the Government’s assessment that there is room for expansion in the ice cream market.
A new category – best of cookies & cream – is listed. And a new-to-market award listed last year will be contested again this year for products launched in the last 12 months.
The New Zealand Ice Cream Manufacturers Association says 85 entries were eligible for the new-to-market award last year, “showing the depth of innovation in the ice cream industry.”
Separate supreme awards for large and boutique (500,000L/year max.) manufacturers are again listed. The judging criteria depend on manufacturers’ annual production, as declared on entry forms.
Best-in-category awards are contestable by large and boutique firms. All gold award winning entries are then eligible for supreme awards based on their score.
Last year the supreme award for a large manufacturer went to Tip Top French Vanilla made by Fonterra Brands (Tip Top) Ltd. The supreme award for a boutique manufacturer was awarded to a gelato – Salted Caramel made by Takapuna Beach Café and Store.
