Wonderland Winners At Vegan Chocolate Awards
Press Release – Vegan Society
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.
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
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. Feijoa 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 Chocolate Oasis; Chocolate Bark Caramelized Almond & Cranberry
Judges said 'Crunchy and delicious with well-roasted ingredients'
No Runner up
Dipped Fruit/Dragee
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'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Doc Edge Festival Announces Finalists For 2025 Oscar-Qualifying Awards
Doc Edge, New Zealand's premier international documentary festival and an Oscar®-qualifying event, is proud to announce the finalists for the Doc Edge Awards 2025. The Awards will be held on Thursday, 3 July, at the Grand Millennium Auckland and will be co-hosted by respected broadcaster Neil Waka and beloved cultural icon Geeling Ching. The festival kicks off on 25 June – 3 July in Auckland before also heading to Wellington and Christchurch (16 – 27 July) and online in The Virtual Cinema (28 July – 24 August). The 2025 jury includes a diverse panel of esteemed local and international industry professionals: Alex Behse (Auckland, NZ), David Tingey (Wellington, NZ), Doug Dillaman (Auckland, NZ), Emile Guertin (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Kate Cresswell (Auckland, NZ), Kathy Susca (California, USA), Kenneth Tan (Singapore), Mark Cochrane (Auckland, NZ), Meg Smaker (California, USA), and Sam Witters (Christchurch, NZ). New Zealand Feature Film Finalists (including director, editing, sound, cinematography): Devils on Horses Mana Moana Mana Tangata Mighty Indeed No Tears on the Field Shayni in the Sky Three Days in February Wildboy New Zealand Short Film Finalists: Winners of the Best New Zealand Short and Best New Zealand Feature categories will receive cash prizes sponsored by NZ On Air and be eligible for Oscar® consideration in 2026. International Feature Film Finalists (including director, editing, sound, cinematography): A Quiet Love (Ireland) Before the Moon Falls (USA) Blame (Switzerland) Carrousel (France) Click the Link Below (Norway) The Dancer (USA) The Dating Game (USA) Fatal Watch (USA) Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea (Philippines) In Waves and War (USA) Os Barcos (France) The Pool (Australia) The Promise (Netherlands) Yurlu | Country (Australia) International Short Film Finalists: A Good Question (UK) Correct Me If I'm Wrong (Germany, USA) The Honest Poet (Afghanistan) MĀHŪ: A Trans-Pacific Love Letter (USA) On Healing Land, Birds Perch (USA, Vietnam) Shepherd Boy (Portugal, Qatar) Two Travelling Aunties (UK, Singapore) Voices from the Abyss (Mexico) What Does The Mud Whisper (Georgia) Where is Home? (Indonesia) The winners of Best International Short and Best International Feature will receive cash awards sponsored by Park Road Post and Oscar® consideration in 2026. Last year's recipient of Best International Feature Sugarcane was subsequently nominated for Best Documentary at the 2025 Oscar Awards. Doc Edge and The Raye Freedman Trust are also proud to launch a new award, The Raye Freedman Legacy Award, in memory of Mrs Raye Freedman, a passionate supporter of education, music, and the arts. This $5,000 award will be presented to a female documentary filmmaker at the Doc Edge Awards. Festival Director Dan Shanan said: 'Doc Edge shares Mrs Raye Freedman's passion for the arts, culture, and education, which also forms the foundation of why Doc Edge was created. It is a privilege to support female storytellers in honour of Mrs Raye Freedman.' Ruby Chen, the previously announced recipient of the Doc Edge Superhero Award, will be celebrated and formally presented with her award on the night. In addition to these honours, awards will also be presented for NZ Emerging Filmmaker, the NZ Student Competition, Immersive Exhibition projects, standout industry pitches at the Doc Edge Industry, and more. For more information about the festival and full programme, visit 2025 KEY FESTIVAL DATES & VENUES Industry: 30 June – 3 July, Grand Millennium Auckland Auckland: 25 June – 13 July, Bridgeway Cinema, The Capitol Cinema, SkyCity Theatre and Silo 6 Wellington: 16 – 27 July, The Roxy Cinema Christchurch: 16 – 27 July, Lumiere Cinemas, Christchurch Art Gallery, Tūranga Central Library, and the University of Canterbury Awards: 3 July, Grand Millennium Auckland
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
A Chief's Children's Book Weaves Fa'amatai And Proverbs
Article – RNZ 'I didn't want the children to miss out on the richness of the values.' Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai While many childrens books are written in Samoan, Alagā'upu Fa'asamoa ma Uiga mo Tamaiti may be the first to bring fa'amatai (the chiefly system) and traditional proverbs into a story made for young readers. Authored by a renowned teacher and language and cultural expert in Aotearoa, Tauanu'u Perenise Tapu Sitagata, the book is written in Gagana Samoa (Samoan language) and English. The launch was led by his children and grandchildren with support from Auckland Council and Auckland Library. 'I didn't want the children to miss out on the richness of the values,' Tauanu'u said. 'Values about church, about family relationships, about brother and sister, about existing together, about helping each other. 'There's one that goes e lele lava le toloa ae maau i le vai – the bird flies, but will always go back to water because it's sustenance and it helps them in everyday life. 'Wherever we go, we always come back to our families. It is our home, and it is where we learned at an early age, and it is where we learned all the values that we have in life. So that's why those are the cornerstones of Samoan language and culture – the family, the church, the parents, relationship between people, respect. Try to capture in these sayings and these proverbs.' The book is brought to life by vibrant illustrations that mirror village life. 'I was familiar with the words – the pictures really enhanced what the words were saying,' the author explained. 'The skill of the artist is they asked me, 'What do you want to show in the pictures?' and I think the artist created something even more. 'We go back to the visuals of our path; the visuals of the family sitting around; the visuals of the parents talking to the children; the visuals of the church in the background where everyone goes.' Initially, the author said he viewed the project as 'just another book,' but soon realised there was little available for younger generations. 'Now it comes to me – my calling is to write for young people, from five to 18 or five to 20 or wherever. It's got to be in both languages, just to expose the richness of our language to our young people.' Tauanu'u stressed that while many Samoan youth are growing up in Aotearoa New Zealand, they still see traditional values. 'They still see the care and love of the parents. They still see the strictness that goes with, 'You are important. You're going to go to church and keep an upright life. You're going to go to school and you're going to learn, nothing else'. 'Sometimes young people don't go to church and they question the relevance. But somewhere along life, there's an experience will bring you back to the anchoring of your life – the support network of family, the support network of faith. 'Maybe we put too much emphasis on a nice house, a nice car. But some of the greatest people live in very simple houses. And everyone goes there because they get a laugh, they get food.' Oratia Publishing representative Peter Dowling said while this was a project that communicates Samoan values and the traditions, 'the morals, the values that are communicated are universal, and that's one of the beautiful things about this book'. 'It's a long-cherished dream of ours to have more books and creating more books in different languages that represent the communities of Aotearoa, especially Gagana Samoa and other Pasifika languages where there has been a dearth of resources.' Project lead from the Auckland Libraries Veronica Ligaliga said the first person that came to mind for this book was Tauanu'u. 'This project was an opportunity for us to give back to the community,' she told the launch attendees. 'I wanted to create content that will not only honour Tauanu'u's contribution to the success of the debate, but a book that will become part of the local history of Tāmaki Makaurau. 'It's about creating connected communities from inside out. Auckland Council libraries is committed to increasing the representation of Pasifika languages and cultures in their collections, and this project is just another one of them.' Students were also present to support Tauanu'u, where they performed traditional siva Samoa.. One student they were grateful that they got to experience this alongside him, while another said they were happy to see him finally acknowledged and on a big stage too. Samoa Language Week finishes on Saturday.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
A Chief's Children's Book Weaves Fa'amatai And Proverbs
Article – RNZ 'I didn't want the children to miss out on the richness of the values.' Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai While many childrens books are written in Samoan, Alagā'upu Fa'asamoa ma Uiga mo Tamaiti may be the first to bring fa'amatai (the chiefly system) and traditional proverbs into a story made for young readers. Authored by a renowned teacher and language and cultural expert in Aotearoa, Tauanu'u Perenise Tapu Sitagata, the book is written in Gagana Samoa (Samoan language) and English. The launch was led by his children and grandchildren with support from Auckland Council and Auckland Library. 'I didn't want the children to miss out on the richness of the values,' Tauanu'u said. 'Values about church, about family relationships, about brother and sister, about existing together, about helping each other. 'There's one that goes e lele lava le toloa ae maau i le vai – the bird flies, but will always go back to water because it's sustenance and it helps them in everyday life. 'Wherever we go, we always come back to our families. It is our home, and it is where we learned at an early age, and it is where we learned all the values that we have in life. So that's why those are the cornerstones of Samoan language and culture – the family, the church, the parents, relationship between people, respect. Try to capture in these sayings and these proverbs.' The book is brought to life by vibrant illustrations that mirror village life. 'I was familiar with the words – the pictures really enhanced what the words were saying,' the author explained. 'The skill of the artist is they asked me, 'What do you want to show in the pictures?' and I think the artist created something even more. 'We go back to the visuals of our path; the visuals of the family sitting around; the visuals of the parents talking to the children; the visuals of the church in the background where everyone goes.' Initially, the author said he viewed the project as 'just another book,' but soon realised there was little available for younger generations. 'Now it comes to me – my calling is to write for young people, from five to 18 or five to 20 or wherever. It's got to be in both languages, just to expose the richness of our language to our young people.' Tauanu'u stressed that while many Samoan youth are growing up in Aotearoa New Zealand, they still see traditional values. 'They still see the care and love of the parents. They still see the strictness that goes with, 'You are important. You're going to go to church and keep an upright life. You're going to go to school and you're going to learn, nothing else'. 'Sometimes young people don't go to church and they question the relevance. But somewhere along life, there's an experience will bring you back to the anchoring of your life – the support network of family, the support network of faith. 'Maybe we put too much emphasis on a nice house, a nice car. But some of the greatest people live in very simple houses. And everyone goes there because they get a laugh, they get food.' Oratia Publishing representative Peter Dowling said while this was a project that communicates Samoan values and the traditions, 'the morals, the values that are communicated are universal, and that's one of the beautiful things about this book'. 'It's a long-cherished dream of ours to have more books and creating more books in different languages that represent the communities of Aotearoa, especially Gagana Samoa and other Pasifika languages where there has been a dearth of resources.' Project lead from the Auckland Libraries Veronica Ligaliga said the first person that came to mind for this book was Tauanu'u. 'This project was an opportunity for us to give back to the community,' she told the launch attendees. 'I wanted to create content that will not only honour Tauanu'u's contribution to the success of the debate, but a book that will become part of the local history of Tāmaki Makaurau. 'It's about creating connected communities from inside out. Auckland Council libraries is committed to increasing the representation of Pasifika languages and cultures in their collections, and this project is just another one of them.' Students were also present to support Tauanu'u, where they performed traditional siva Samoa.. One student they were grateful that they got to experience this alongside him, while another said they were happy to see him finally acknowledged and on a big stage too. Samoa Language Week finishes on Saturday.
