NZ products impress at the Cuisine 2014 Artisan Awards

New Zealand artisan products impress at the Cuisine 2014 Artisan Awards

From smoked salmon and sausages to chocolate and ice-cream, an impressive line-up of artisan delicacies features in the 2014 Cuisine Artisan Awards. Waiheke Island bakery Ringawera was named Supreme Winner for its Herb Lavash, a crisp, flavour-packed flatbread created by head baker and owner Patrick Griffiths.

The winning product’s delicious flavour is the result of Ringawera’s collaboration with another Waiheke producer, Wendy Kendall of Waiheke Herbs. The lavash is baked with Waiheke Herb Spread, which is made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar and no fewer than 11 different herbs. The lavash is sold at specialty food stores and markets nationwide, as well as through Ringawera’s recently opened shop on Te Whau Drive.

This will mark the third award for Ringawera, which was recognised for its Sesame Seed Lavash in 2009, the inaugural year of the Cuisine Artisan Awards, and for its Spiced Lavash the following year. It is, however, the first time the company has taken the top spot.

Wellington-based chocolatier Bohemein received the runner-up prize for its Black Devils – chewy caramel chocolates with freshly roasted cocoa nib. Other winners include Mariano’s Spanish Goods for Mariano’s Fuet, a Catalan cured sausage; Black Garlic Man’s black garlic, a fermented product that’s become popular among innovative chefs; and Hipi Sheep Milk Yoghurt, a uniquely tangy, creamy yoghurt made from ewe’s milk.

“New Zealand artisan producers work tirelessly on perfecting their creations and the proof of their hard work and special talent is evident in the products we have seen this year,” says Fiona Smith, head judge and deputy food editor at Cuisine.

Cuisine editor Sarah Nicholson adds, “Every year we are excited by the high standard of entries. There are so many beautifully made products in this country, be they highly innovative ideas, such as black garlic, or everyday products, such as marmalade, that have been made with the utmost care.”

Georgie Talbot, awards judge and sales and marketing manager at Caffe L’affare, which is in its fifth year as a major sponsor of the awards, noted that it was “the diligence and commitment to producing the highest-quality artisan products that is most inspiring”.

Forty artisan products were named as finalists from more than 70 entries, with 10 products chosen as the overall winners. Those winners will be celebrated at an awards dinner at The Sugar Club on Thursday 20 March at 7pm (tickets $110). Visit cuisineartisanawards.co.nz to see the full menu and to book, call 09 363 6365.

Cuisine Artisan Awards – The 2014 Winners
· Supreme Winner: Herb Lavash by Ringawera

· Runner-Up: Black Devils by Bohemein

· Mariano’s Fuet by Mariano’s Spanish Goods

· Hipi Natural Sheep Milk Yoghurt by Kuratau Yoghurt

· Cold-Smoked Salmon by Kingfisher Smoke House

· Black Garlic by Black Garlic Man

· Salted Caramel Ice-Cream by Kohu Road

· Mandarin & Cointreau Marmalade by Relish The Thought

· Raspberries & Cream Paleta by Paleta

· Tiramisu Ice-Cream by Giapo

www.cuisineartisanawards.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media