MEDIA RELEASE
Date: 8am, 15th August 2019
Media contact: Gemma Carroll, Communications & Engagement Officer, Potatoes New Zealand
The final results of the 2019 Chip Industry Awards were announced this week and the 2 Awards were presented by Bidfood representatives and Potatoes New Zealand staff at a gala dinner event, in The Limes Room, at the newly refurbished Christchurch Town Hall.
Mike McRoberts presided over the evening’s affairs and finalists for the 2 awards enjoyed music and food alongside 150 delegates who’d attended the biennial Potatoes New Zealand conference.
Judges’ Supreme Award involved 2 rounds of Mystery Shopper Evaluations in May and June 2019, followed by fat-testing of sampled chips, sent in by the Mystery Shoppers. This award is only presented biennially and involves strict evaluation standards.
Bidfood People’s Choice Awards, are a popularity contest and have huge public appeal. 2018 saw votes cast by around 3000 chip fans. 2019 customer engagement in voting more than doubled.
The winners for the 2019 Chip Group Industry Awards are:
Bidfood People’s Choice 2019: Steve and Monica Fair from Mr Chips Masterton, for the 3rd year running, most popular Chip Shop in New Zealand with 26.2% of the 7791 votes.
Regional Finalists for People’s Choice 2019:
- Gourmet Seafoods QE11, Christchurch
- Calypso Takeaway, Kerikeri
- Oceanz Seafood, Botany
- The Naked Chip, Waimate
- Oppies Takeaway, Rotorua
Judges’ Supreme Award 2019: Graham and Karen Chard from Okato Takeaways. They received glowing evaluations from our Mystery Shoppers and a healthy 7.2% fat in their fries. This is a shining example of the success achieved through utilising our Ministry of Health advised Best Fry Practice Online Training.
Highly Commended Judges’ Supreme 2019:
- Victory Square Fish & Chips, Nelson
- The Chip Shop Royal Oak, Auckland
- Calypso Takeaway, Kerikeri
- Northcross Takeaways, Auckland