Patagonia proves again to be a scoop above the rest

A Queenstown Lakes born ice creamery has once again proven to be a scoop above the rest.

Patagonia Chocolates has taken out four of 17 categories at this year's New Zealand Ice Cream and Gelato Awards.

Its dulche de leche flavour - inspired by the caramelised milk sweet spread particularly popular in Latin America - has been crowned classic flavoured ice cream champion.

Next on the list, its dark chocolate sorbet has been named the country's best chocolate gelato or sorbet, while its raspberry sorbet, the country's best fruit-flavoured sorbet.

Finally, its vanilla and cookies flavour has won the kids' choice category.

There were more than 230 entries in the awards that were assessed by a panel of 20 food judges led by new chief judge Geoff Scott.

In a statement announcing this year's winners, Mr Scott says 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."

The winners were celebrated at a ceremony in Auckland on Thursday.

The two supreme champion awards were presented to Little 'Lato for its mango lassi vegan gelato and New Zealand Natural Ice Cream for its milk chocolate ice cream.

In 2023, Patagonia secured the top spot in the competition for its hazelnut cremino, as well as winning two category awards.

Meanwhile two other Queenstown Lakes' businesses also performed strongly in this year's awards - PURE New Zealand and Mrs Ferg Galateria received medals in the earlier stages of the event.

Main image (Facebook/Patagonia Chocolates): Patagonia Chocolates owners Alex Gimenez (right) and Lorena Giallonardo.