Hungary’s Ice Cream of the Year: Unveiled and Indulge!
Hungarian Confectionery Industry Association Organizes Ice Cream of the Year Competition
The Hungarian Confectionery Industry Association (Magyar Cukrász Ipartestület) recently held its annual Ice Cream of the Year competition, aiming to promote high-quality handcrafted ice cream in Hungary. This year’s winning flavor, pumpkin almond with walnut variations, impressed both judges and spectators.
The competition, organized as a festival within a city event, allowed consumers to witness the ice cream-making process firsthand. Competitors prepared their entries in front of spectators, revealing the secrets behind creating delicious ice cream. The event featured a fully equipped on-site ice cream laboratory, with three professional freezers used for the competition.
A total of 81 ice creams competed in five categories, offering a wide range of flavors to the judges. Unlike previous years, there was no compulsory flavor, allowing contestants to showcase their creativity and innovation.
In the “A” category, which featured confectioners and artisan ice cream makers, János Somodi from Florida Ice Cream in Balatonmáriafürdő won the Gold medal and was crowned the Ice Cream of the Year champion for his pumpkin almond with walnut variations.
In the “M” Free category, which focused on adding sugar, gluten, lactose, and milk protein-free ice cream, Roland Kovács from Krém Cukrászda in Székesfehérvár claimed the Gold medal for his Almond Garden (Mandulakert) creation.
In the “Chocolate” category, open to confectioners, ice cream makers, raw material manufacturers, and distributors, József Végh from Krém Cukrászda in Székesfehérvár won the Gold medal for his Salted Caramel Pear flavor.
The “C” category, dedicated to raw material producers and distributors, awarded Norbert Takács from m-Gel Hungary Kft., Budapest the Gold medal for his Gundels’ favorite.
Lastly, in the “C/M-Mentes (Free)” category, which also involved raw material manufacturers and distributors, Norbert Takács from m-Gel Hungary Kft., Budapest secured the Gold medal with his Pomázi VIP Pineapple Strawberry.
The Ice Cream of the Year competition serves as an important platform for the Hungarian confectionery industry to showcase its handcrafted ice cream and inspire consumers to demand healthier and higher-quality products. It highlights the creativity and talent of ice cream makers in Hungary while promoting traditional methods of production.
With the success of this year’s competition, the Hungarian Confectionery Industry Association continues to support the growth and development of the ice cream industry in Hungary. Ice cream enthusiasts can look forward to more innovative and delicious flavors in the coming years.
