First ever NZ Ice Cream Week kicks off

It's a good week to be an icecream lover, with the inaugural New Zealand Ice Cream Week underway.

The week is run by the New Zealand Ice Cream Manufacturers Association.

Federated Farmers dairy chairperson Chris Lewis says the icecream industry is not just providing a delicious summer treat, it's also an important contributor to the rural economy.

"New Zealand icecream is a job creator and is known for its quality internationally," he said.

He noted that earlier this year music icon Cher declared that New Zealand icecream was the best the world had to offer.

"Later she was challenged to eat some Australian icecream by an Australian breakfast television show, but she stuck to her guns and reckons 'New Zealand is the best'," said Mr Lewis.

Cher enjoyed some New Zealand icecream when she visited Auckland.
Cher enjoyed some New Zealand icecream when she visited Auckland. Photo credit: Giapo Instagram

He said icecream has always been a topic of discussion for notable people.

"A Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision article states that in 1958 New Zealand radio legend Aunt Daisy in her work proclaimed icecream to not be fattening because it contained no starch," he said.

Meanwhile New Zealanders are clear when it come to their favourite icecream.

The supreme winner at the 2018 New Zealand Ice Cream Awards was Tip Top Ice Cream's Boysenberry Ripple for the fourth consecutive year.

Boysenberry Ripple is a big favourite with New Zealanders.
Boysenberry Ripple is a big favourite with New Zealanders. Photo credit: File

New Zealand Ice Cream Week runs until November 25th.

Newshub.