The annual awards are judged by an independent panel representing food technologists, marketers, dieticians, sensory evaluation students and consumers led by Kay McMath from Massey University’s Food Technology department. Winners in the 2009 awards, revealed at the Association’s conference in Rotorua, came from 96 entries in 14 categories.
Phoenix Organic Apple and Guava Juice from Charles Trading Company was named Supreme Champion, while 100% Squeezed Gisborne/Kerikeri Valencia Orange Juice from Arano Juices is runner-up.
For the first time this year, orange juice was given prominence, with its own category intended to highlight the high quality of New Zealand-produced orange juice. The judging of this category – 2009 Orange Juice – was completed using a set of sensory evaluation criteria specially developed by a group of graduate students from Massey University as part of their studies and believed to be a first in Australasia. The winner was 100% Squeezed Gisborne/Kerikeri Valencia Orange Juice from Arano Juices
A group of students from Strathallan College in South Auckland was asked to blind-taste all entries under supervision by Massey University staff to determine the winner of the Youth Choice Award. The winner was Just Juice Mandarin Passionfruit Peach from Frucor Beverage.
According to the NZJBA president, James Wilson, the number, quality and variety of beverages entered into this year’s awards are reflective of one of the country’s most innovative sectors. “The local beverage industry provides a wide range of products to meet every taste and occasions,” he said. “It’s particularly pleasing to see the significant growth in the numbers of products being presented for judging especially those drinks reflecting international demand trends for new and different flavours.”
Source: New Zealand Juice and Beverage Association
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024