A low-fat, frozen yoghurt blend has curiously been crowned New Zealand’s best ice cream at this year‘s NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards.
Meanwhile, a seaside cafe in Auckland scooped two awards, including the Boutique Champion Trophy, for its house-made licorice gelato.
With 68 gold medals and 18 trophies on offer last night, the annual celebration of Aotearoa’s best ice cream products - now in its 28th year - once again saw a record number of entries pile in from across the motu.
Chief judge and chef Geoff Scott led a panel of 24 judges last month as they taste-tested 266 unique ice creams, gelatos and sorbets.
Only two champions could be declared, with the winning creations handed to East Tamaki ice cream giant Much Moore and North Shore hotspot Takapuna Beach Cafe.
Much Moore was crowned Hall’s Cold Chain Logistics Supreme Champion for its Wonders Strawberry Low Fat Yoghurt Ice Cream.
Judges noted the dessert was “visually excellent with a creamy mouthfeel” and had “great texture and well-balanced acidity”.
“The yoghurt gives great freshness,” they added.
The family-owned business, run by Marcus Moore since 1995, consistently features at the awards and was one of this year’s most celebrated vendors, taking home three titles from the evening.
“Our team are over the moon and the awards embody everything Much Moore stands for,” Moore told the Herald following the win.
“As a proud family-owned NZ business, we are forever grateful to our extremely important retail partners who help ensure Kiwis have access to the best of what Much Moore creates.”
He thanked Much Moore’s customers - the “loyal ice cream connoisseurs” - for continuing to provide them with support and inspiration.
The Boutique Champion Trophy, recognising the top performer in small-batch production, was given to Takapuna Beach Cafe for its Licorice Gelato - also named New Zealand’s Gelato Champion.
“An outstanding gelato,” the judges said.
“Unfaultable texture, the way that gelato should be ... Harmony of texture and flavour just perfect.”
Owner James Bryant was elated with the news.
“Gelato and sorbet is a small but very important part of what we do at Takapuna Beach Cafe,” he said.
“Our gelato is known for its freshness and that’s because it travels zero food miles. It’s made and scooped at the same spot - right on the edge of Takapuna Beach.”
Takapuna Beach Cafe has collected accolades for its gelato over much of its 17-year history.
“We’re extremely proud to have brought our ice cream production in-house six years ago,” Bryant said.
Thrilled following the win, he expressed gratitude for his dedicated team and “loyal base of gelato lovers”.
Check out the rest of the trophy-winning flavours at the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2025 below.
Supreme Champions:
Category Champion Awards:
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