AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Congratulations to Mahurangi-based bean-to-bar chocolate maker Foundry Chocolate, which won the Supreme Award at the inaugural NZ Vegan Chocolate Awards for its Kilombero Valley, Tanzania 70% bar. The awards, announced by the Vegan Society of Aotearoa, sought out the best vegan chocolate in New Zealand and attracted over 110 entries from chocolate makers, chocolatiers and chocolate brands (foundrychocolate.co.nz). For full results see vegansociety.org.nz. We celebrate a massive result for Geisen, which won two

trophies at the 2022 International Wine Challenge: the Marlborough Syrah Trophy

for its Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2019 and the New Zealand Sweet

Trophy for The Brothers Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (giesen.co.nz). Bravo to New Zealand mixers brand East Imperial, which has taken out eight top prizes at the Global Spirits Masters Tonic

& Mixers Masters Competition – including two Masters Medals – the highest accolade recognising excellence in the industry – which were awarded to the grapefruit tonic and grapefruit soda (eastimperial.nz). New Zealand sustainable spirit brand Blue Duck

Rare Vodka has bagged the prestigious gold award in the vodka category at the

International Spirits Challenge 2022. It's the first time that a New Zealand vodka has received this recognition since 42 Below won the prize in 2008. That's a huge accomplishment for this craft Kiwi business, which creates world-class spirits at its Tauranga distillery – our congratulations to you (blueduckvodka.co.nz).