Aurora International Taste Challenge (AITC) 2024

 

At the AITC, experts award superior food and drinks to help consumers make informed choices.

 

Celebrate the artistry and tradition of charcuterie and meat craftsmanship at the prestigious International Charcuterie and Meat Product Awards. Submit your finest creations for impartial evaluation by our esteemed panel of judges.

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 be catered for.

There are also categories for bacon, ham, dry-cured meats and many more.

Entries are open

Early bird entry fee, R1395.00 excluding VAT per entry (approximately EUR75 and USD75 depending on the exchange rate).

18 May 2024 – regular entry fee

Regular entry fee, R1750.00 excluding VAT per entry (approximately USD90 or EUR90 depending on the exchange rate).

Entries close – 21 June 2024

 

Stickers will be available at R430.00 excluding VAT per 1000 (approximately USD25 or EUR25 depending on the exchange rate). Samples are to be delivered to the drop-off point in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The following 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 been awarded, do I have to pay for the artwork, or anything else?
Award winners will receive award artwork at no additional charge and are allowed to use it on the awarded products, in digital and printed media 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 make an online payment in EUR or USD through PayPal. You can also pay in ZAR through Payfast.

How many samples do I need to submit per entry?

For dried and cured meats, the following samples are needed:

• A minimum of 2 separate containers/packets with a minimum combined weight of 240 grams.
For all other meat samples:
• A minimum of three containers comprising a minimum combined weight of 500 grams is needed.

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.

Some of this year’s judges –

 

 

 

 Jenny Morris –                                                  
 Celebrity Chef 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

Tiaan Langenegger
Celebrity Chef

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carianne Wilkinson
Vice-principal at Silwood Kitchen

 

 

 

Some of last year’s Winners

 

 

Babylonstoren Ham / Richard Bosman Salami / Jansen Pure Beef Patties

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, affirming superior quality.
• Awards are a symbol of quality to use in digital and print media – Artwork can be downloaded and used in different media.
• You will receive a digital award certificate. If the same product is marketed under different brand names, you can receive additional certificates for those as well.
• 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 the edge you needed, making a buying decision so much easier.

The other food and drinks classes are as follows (follow the link of 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 (evoo)
• 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 digital and print media, stickers can also be acquired for R430.00 excluding VAT per 1000 (approximately USD25 or EUR25 depending on the exchange rate). 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 contact her at +27 (0)84 446 0412.

 

 




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