The elite compete for a ticket to the world championships in Rimini

Two types of ice cream, one sorbet and one free choice, termed the Ice Cream Champion’s Favourite. These are the categories in the Swedish Ice Cream Championships 2018, which will take place at GastroNord. Tony Olsson, head pastry chef and creative director at Thelins konditori, is the head judge.

   Hi Tony! Can you tell us how this competition is conducted?

   “The contestants make a sorbet and two different types of ice cream, where the flavours are determined in advance. But in the last category, Ice Cream Champion’s Favourite, they get to use their imagination. The contestants are on site throughout the day and have individual schedules for when they freeze their ice cream. The judges score the ice cream based on its quality – taste, consistency, and structure – which means that more than one contestant can win gold for their ice cream. But only one can take home the title of Swedish Ice Cream Champion.”

   What does this competition mean for the industry?

   “Many contestants come back year after year, which is a sign of a well-run competition. The Swedish Ice Cream Championships help to highlight the craftsmanship; the medals are confirmation that the contestants make great ice cream. Kenneth Erlandsson (SNÖ) and Hans Berg (Ett Bageri), who won the title of Swedish Ice Cream Champion in 2016 and 2017, respectively, are two individuals who have won because they make really high-quality ice cream. They have their awards visibly displayed in their businesses and they sell incredibly well.” 

   What do you think is the best thing about the competition?

   “It’s awesome that all the contestants who make ice cream can demonstrate what they can do for others in the industry, and show what quality ice cream really is. Ice cream machine manufacturers also have the opportunity to demonstrate their machines to potential customers. Our aim is to continue to be Sweden’s most important ice cream contest.”

    Can you tell us one of the most interesting ice cream flavours that have emerged in previous championships?