Cafés have a great opportunity to mobilise your customers in the hope of being named the New Zealand café serving the country’s best hot chocolate.
The accolade – part of the inaugural NZ Chocolate Awards – is one of two Chocolate Lovers’ categories being decided by public vote.
A panel of food experts will judge entries in the New Zealand Chocolate Awards at the Fresh Factory in Auckland on Wednesday 6 September, with results announced on Monday 18 September. The Awards focus is on chocolate crafted in New Zealand.
In addition chocolate lovers are invited to vote for New Zealand’s Favourite Chocolate brand and the Café Serving New Zealand’s Favourite Hot Chocolate. Chocolate Lovers’ vote online at the awards website www.nzchocolateawards.co.nz. Each vote goes into the draw for a special New Zealand Chocolate Awards Gourmet Chocolate Hamper.
Voting closes 11.59pm on Sunday 17 September 2017. Winners will be announced on Monday 18 September 2017 along with the winners of the awards assessed by the judging panel.
NZ Chocolate Awards co-organiser Kathie Bartley of Marvellous Marketing says the Chocolate Lovers’ voting is a great way for cafes to build the relationship with their customers. “The success of every hospitality business depends on word of mouth and this is a great opportunity for cafés to mobilise the loyalty of their customers by asking them to vote.”
“Cafes can get involved using Facebook and Instagram to invite customers to vote for them. Or they may put posters or signage in the café, or a note on menus. Whatever way they choose, it’s a fun way to get their customers talking about their favourite hot chocolate café and spreading the word.”
Many of the New Zealand Chocolate Awards winning chocolates will be available at the Chocolate and Coffee Show on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September 2017 at The Cloud in Auckland.