Who's on Top from NZ Ice Cream and Gelato Awards

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 an esteemed 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 last night (Thursday 29 August).

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!”

NZ ICE CREAM & GELATO AWARDS 2024 TROPHIES 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