Wonderland Winners At Vegan Chocolate Awards

Tuesday, 29 April 2025, 7:43 am
Press Release: The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand

Wonderland Pineapple Chews - Conrad the Contortionist was the overall Supreme winner in this year’s Vegan Society Aotearoa fourth Vegan Chocolate Awards. Judges said the winner was “a perfectly delicious and moreish twist on a classic.” Held on 28th April at Khu Khu Eatery in Ponsonby, Auckland, chocolate makers from all over Aotearoa entered the Awards aiming to be winners in one of twelve categories.

Interest in plant-based foods continues to increase, and the Vegan Chocolate Awards reflect this trend. Plant milk chocolates are gaining popularity, with an expanding range and improved quality. The awards celebrate various types of vegan chocolates, including bon bons, truffles, inclusions, and flavoured chocolates suitable for vegans and those allergic to dairy.

“The judges had a difficult task ahead this year, as the competition is really fierce and there is a lot of incredible plant-based chocolate to be eaten in Aotearoa,” media spokesperson for the Society Claire Insley commented.

Six very experienced judges lent their palates to this incredible taste test: welcoming all the way from Samoa, Floris Niu, who is a fourth generation Samoan Cacao farmer, processor and Chocolate-maker. She’s the founder of Ms Sunshine Organic Farms which operates Cacao Agritourism experiences on Upolu Island. She is co-creator of the “Koko Beans” brand of vegan chocolate snacks and the recent “Pacific Cacao and Chocolate 2022” show.

Tracy Berno is a Professor in Food Studies at AUT. She has worked in food for over 30 years in roles ranging from academic to presenting cooking classes and demonstrations to catering. Tracy has a particular interest in the foods of the South Pacific and sustainably produced food products (including chocolate). She is an experienced panel judge and has judged for many competitions and food awards starting in the early 2000s.

With a rich background in Europe and the UK’s finest patisseries and chocolatiers, Thomas Wright is on a mission to redefine the essence of chocolate. His journey from prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens to launching Ao Cacao reflects his passion for ethically and sustainably grown cacao, combined with unique Pacific and Aotearoa flavours for an unparalleled bean-to-bar experience.

Byron McLean is the founder and chocolatier of Cocoa Wilds—a new and viral chocolate boutique located on O’Connell Street in central Auckland. Leaving his corporate career in 2022, Byron poured his passion for people and learning into a whirlwind journey of growth, traveling, and taste-testing more than 300 types of chocolate worldwide.

Finally, the Award stalwart Aaron Pucci has clocked up 25 years in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. His trusted palate has earned him numerous seats on judging panels for awards in New Zealand and Australia over 15 years. As a dedicated chocolate consumer Aaron is always on the lookout for new brands and products ~ especially those that are breaking new ground. Aaron’s ‘food for thought’ is a desire for more manufacturers to take up the challenge of sustainable food operations and reducing their carbon footprint.

And the average comedian on the street, Tom Sainsbury stepped in to help choose the best chew in Wonderland. Tom is always keen to help our awards keep it real, having taste tested sausages, cheese and pies in the past, he has finally graduated into the hallows of chocolate tasting.

Plant-based foods are sustainable and healthy, benefiting both individuals and the planet. The growing number of Vegan Food Awards highlights the quality and appeal of plant-based foods.

The full list of winners can be found at https://www.vegansociety.org.nz/the-nz-vegan-chocolate-awards/

Supreme Winner

Wonderland; Pineapple Chews - Conrad the Contortionist

Dark Chocolate bars – plain

Winner Foundry Chocolate; Pinalum, Malekula Island, Vanuatu 70%

Judges said “Great temper delivering delicious malty favours and notes of honey"

Runner up Foundry Chocolate; Ea Kar, Dak Lak, Vietnam 70%

Judges said "Very honey-forward flavours and delicious. A great chocolate”

Chocolate Bars; flavoured

Winner Schoc Chocolate; Lemongrass in a Dark Rich Chocolate

Judges said “Fresh bright flavours and a lovely smooth texture”

Runner up Pretty Fancy Chocolate; Mini Infusion Dark Peppermint

Judges said “Very enjoyable and delivers crisp flavour”

Chocolate Bars; inclusions

Winner Bennetto: Dark Salted Caramel

Judges said “Beautiful texture. Great snap and good finish. Inclusions subtle but complimentary, with nice balance of chocolate and inclusions. Stand out chocolate."

Runner up Schoc Chocolate; Raspberry, Pear and Apple Dark Chocolate from Greytown

Judges said “Degree of complexity of fruit inclusions. Fruit doesn't overwhelm. Varied inclusion textures, dancing in your mouth. Not overwhelmingly sweet"

White or Milk Chocolate bars (plant milk only)

Winner Pretty Fancy Chocolate; Mini Infusion Lime Coconut

Judges said “vibrant and bold. Great creativity.”

Runner up Mind Your Temper; Raspberry Dairy Free White Chocolate

Judges said “Delightfully tangy with creamy white chocolate"

Bon Bons and Truffles; flavoured

Winner Mind Your Temper; Pistachio and Knafeh Croquant

Judges said “Beautiful balance between chocolate and the lovely pistachio filling. Texture was really good. Classic flavour and combo.”

Runner Up Pretty Fancy Chocolate; Feijoa Crumble

Judges said “Ginger lovely with the chocolate. Fejoia is a nice base to carry the ginger. Great tasting chocolate.

Caramels

Winner Wonderland; Pineapple Chews - Conrad the Contortionist

Judges said “A perfectly delicious and moorish twist on a classic”

Runner up Mind Your Temper; Vanilla Salted Caramel Dragee

Judges said “A caramel for grown-ups - unique and tasty”

Bean to Bar; single origin

Winner Foundry Chocolate: Anamalai Estate, India 70%

Judges said “The clear winner. It's clear the maker has lots of experience and feel. Technically sound and flawless. Clean tasting with lots of nuances. Sophisticated and refined”

Runner up Raglan Chocolate; Malekula Island - Vanuatu

Judges said “this chocolate took them on a journey. A smoked coconut finish and intensity. Balance is correct. Technically sound and complex- a conversation starter”

Bean to Bar; flavoured and inclusions

Winner Valura; Calvados 70% Malekula Island, Vanuatu

Judges said “Interesting, nostalgic and bold. Layered with complex flavours. Clean smooth flavour and clean aftertaste. Nice eating with great technical ability.”

No Runner up

Drinking Chocolate

Winner Trade Aid; Organic Fair Trade Drinking Chocolate

Judges said “Good balance and intensity. Broad range of flavours. A delicious and ‘popular’ hot chocolate”

Runner up Foundry Chocolate; Pinalum, Malekula Island, Vanuatu 70% - Drinking Chocolate

Judges said “Bold beautiful with rich cocoa notes and a hint of honey flavour. Notable regional characteristics. Indulgent and decadent.”

Judges remarked that it was a high level category, with great entries.

Bark/Brittle Chocolate

Winner Schoc Chocolate; Dark Bark

Judges said “Crunchy and delicious with well-roasted ingredients”

No Runner up

Dipped Fruit

Winner Mind Your Temper; Matcha Almond Dragees

Judges said “Expertly crafted with a great blend of flavours and texture”

Runner up Schoc Chocolate; Pineapple Bites

Judges said "The candied fruit added a delicious tang and texture”

More about the Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand:

The Vegan Society supports and facilitates a vegan lifestyle and plant-based eating by creating a vibrant, visible and influential community, and by providing resources and information.

For more information see our website www.vegansociety.org.nz

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