Award-winning gelato in Waipu
Award-winning brand, Little ‘Lato, are making their debut in Waipu, launching a summer pop-up for the summer ahead!
Being little is a surprisingly big deal when it comes to making gelato. It means this little brand can hand select ingredients, hand make the gelato with love, and be hands-on in inventing all kinds of delicious new flavours.
At the heart of the Little ‘Lato flavour philosophy is curiosity and surprise, and the imaginative fusion of ingredients. Think spiced gelato loaded up with chunks of Christmas pudding, pink champagne paired with pink macarons, voluptuous Hawkes Bay plums meeting gin and buttery pastry. Their extraordinary gelato flavours for those on gluten free, nut free, or vegan diets are also out-of-this-world delicious, made with as much imagination as the other creations.
Behind the Little ‘Lato brand is Chief Gelato Creator and Founder, Hannah Wood. Like most kids, Hannah grew up adoring gelato, from her very first lick of the frozen delight. But unlike almost anyone else in New Zealand, she won a scholarship to Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, Italy (yes, there is such a place), to pursue her tasty passion and master the art of making gelato. Upon her return to New Zealand, Hannah created Little ‘Lato, and the rest is award- winning history.
Originally launched in December 2017 out of Crave Café in Morningside, the brand grew organically to now include Little ‘Lato partnership parlours throughout Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo, and Timaru. The artisan range of pre-packaged tubs, all hand-labelled by the small team of gelato artisans, are also stocked in boutique grocers, delis and vineyards throughout the country.
With more than 65 awards received to date, some top accolades have included the Supreme Champion for Boutique NZ Ice Cream Producer (2022), Best Gelato in NZ (2020-2022) and Champion Dairy-Free Product (2023).
Hannah is excited to launch this summer pop-up, commenting “it will be a great chance to showcase the very best of the Little ‘Lato brand and to bring a little joy to locals and holidaymakers in Waipu.” So, are you ready to experience the fresh flavours you love, like espresso, pistachio, or deep dark chocolate? Or will you dare to try a curious twist? How about fresh summer blackberry sorbet infused with a burst of fresh basil? Raspberry Lamington unlike you have ever tasted before?
No matter what you decide, each and every batch of Little ‘Lato is handcrafted in small batches and churned to velvety, silky perfection. So, if you’re not already totally sold, or even if you are; grab your spoon and come taste for yourself!
Little ‘Lato Waipu, 1 Cove Road opens Friday 1 December.