Rush Munro's delight in top award

Rush Munro's general manager Chantelle Ramage and owner John Bostock enjoy the product of their hard work.

The "tastiest little secret" in Hawke's Bay is out, as Rush Munro's heralds in the summer season with a top award.

The icecream manufacturer came first in a three-way tie with Tip Top and Oob Organic in the 2015 Canstar Blue customer satisfaction survey.

National sales manager Michael Corner said it was opportunities like the survey that Rush Munro's was looking for.

"We want to take the 'secret' out of Hawke's Bay and share it with New Zealand, so it's extremely good to have this consumer recognition."

But the secret was already out at their Hastings factory and shop.

Rush Munro's general manager Chantelle Ramage said they were very busy meeting increasing demand for their premium icecream.

"This award is an exciting time in our history and our future as we continue to lead New Zealand in the highly competitive icecream market."

Canstar Blue general manager Jose George said the results were particularly impressive for Rush Munro's and Oob Organic who were family-owned businesses competing against "the big boys".

The icecream manufacturer is now owned again by Hawke's Bay grower and exporter John Bostock.

Mr George said New Zealand was world-famous for its icecream, but they wanted to find out which brands were most enjoyed at home.

"We're a nation of icecream-lovers and these results show consumers think highly of some locally produced products", he said.

Taste was the biggest driver of satisfaction for consumers when they bought icecream, but packaging appeal was also a major draw.