Aurora International Taste Challenge (AITC) 2023
At the AITC, experts award superior food and drinks to help consumers make informed choices.
Charcuterie including salami, chorizo, ham, Pancetta and Bresaola and many more will be evaluated.
Patties, sosaties (kebabs) and sausages are among the products that will be prepared on-site.
The uncooked meat products will be expertly prepared by the top students from Capsicum Culinary Studio, and chef schools.
South African favourites like droëwors, biltong and boerewors will also receive a lot of attention.
There are also categories for bacon, ham, dry-cured meats and many more.
Here are some of the most common questions we receive, and you can read more of the FAQs on our website and download the FAQ guide from the link below.
After I paid for my entries, and my products have won awards, do I have to pay for the artwork, or anything else?
Winners will receive award artwork at no extra cost and are free to use it on the awarded products, in marketing and advertising. Stickers can be bought if they are required, but you do not have to order stickers.
May we pay in EUR or USD?
Once you have entered all your products, you can request an EUR or USD invoice, and do an EFT payment making use of the SWIFT code and banking details on the invoice. You can also let us know, and we will send you an invoice that can be paid through PayPal.
What counts as one entry?
The shortest answer would be, one flavour/type = one entry. If products are different in taste, type, chemical composition, flavour etc., they are separate entries.
Entries now open
Early bird entry fee, R1250.00 excluding VAT per entry (approximately USD85 or EUR79).
20 April 2023 – normal entry fee
Normal entry fee, R1575.00 excluding VAT per entry (approximately USD107 or EUR99).
ENTER IF REGISTERED
Entries close
19 April 2023
Stickers will be available at R395.00 excluding VAT per 1000 (approximately USD27 or EUR 25). Samples are to be delivered to the drop-off point in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Why should you enter the AITC?
Products that are awarded will receive silver, gold and double gold awards. Producers will be able to display the awards on their products, in digital media and in printed format. Winners will also receive a digital award artwork kit containing many iterations of the logo, and stickers can also be purchased.
What are the advantages of being awarded?
• An award shows that your product was evaluated and awarded by independent third-party chefs, sommeliers and food experts, supporting claims of superior quality.
• Awards are a symbol of quality to use in marketing – Artwork can be downloaded for free.
• You will receive an award certificate. If the same product is marketed under different brand names, you can receive extra certificates for those at no extra cost.
• 3 Years non-exclusive international license to use the award.
• An award will serve as content for social media and PR campaigns.
• An award will highlight the brand’s prestige and standing.
• An award could just give you that extra edge you needed, making a buying decision so much easier.
The other food and drinks classes are as follows (click on a category to get more information):
Drinks and beverages
• All drinks including soft drinks, kombucha, kefir water, drinks to be prepared, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks of all kinds as well as bottled water.
• Wine
• Spirits and Liqueurs
• Beer, Cider and Mead
• Coffee – Roasters, importers and distributors can enter coffee beans as well as pre-ground coffee and pods.
• Tea
Food products
• Cereals and Snacks
• Dairy products
• Olives and olive oil (extra virgin)
• Other oils, flavoured or unflavoured
• Pasta and noodles
• Meat – Charcuterie, sausages, dried and other meats
• Convenience food
• Baked goods and confectionery
• Chocolate
• Snacks and cereal
• Preserves, spreads, honey and syrups
Flavour enhancers
• Dry Seasoning, including individual classes for salt, herbs and spices.
• Condiments, dressings and sauces, including balsamic and soya sauce.
Besides the artwork that can be used on packaging and in marketing material, stickers can also be acquired for R395.00 excluding VAT per 1000 (approximately USD25 or EUR 25). The stickers measure 25 mm across.
For more information about this event and its unique features, please visit the website at www.aurorachallenge.com.
If you have any other questions, you can email Sanet van Heerden at [email protected] or phone her at +27 (0)84 446 0412.
Kind regards,
The Aurora International Taste Challenge Team
