NZ’s Next Top Sausage winner announced

NZ’s Next Top Sausage winner announced

Porirua resident Amy Sok (30) has been crowned as the winner of New Zealand’s Next Top Sausage competition, with her ‘Sticky Ginger Beef’ creation.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural competition, Hellers once again handed over the reins to the New Zealand public and encouraged people to dream up their ultimate idea for a new sausage flavour.

Amy’s combination of ginger, onions, garlic, coriander, soy sauce and brown sugar was picked out of more than 2,500 entries which were subject to elimination and taste testing by the Hellers judges – Brand Manager Brydon Heller, Product Manager and Professional Chef Fraeona Heller and brand ambassador Leigh Hart.

As the winning master chef Amy, a marketing and communications advisor for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, receives a trip for two to Paris. Her ‘Sticky Ginger Beef’ creation will be developed by Hellers and sold in supermarkets nationwide.

Last year’s winning entry, the ‘New Yorker Porker, went on to be one of Hellers’ best-selling fresh flavoured sausages in 2013/14.

The inspiration for Amy’s flavour combination came from a favourite casserole recipe.

“It actually happened to be what we were eating when I entered the competition,” says Amy, who is looking forward to seeing her creation on supermarket shelves.

“I think I am almost more excited about this than the trip to Paris. My husband and I have already planned to have a big BBQ when they’re out – we can’t wait to taste the final product.”

Amy and her husband will be leaving for Paris in May 2015. The prize includes return flights, six nights’ accommodation, $3000 spending money, a guided tour of the city, a two-course meal at the Eiffel Tower and a Sony Handycam to document their trip.

“We’ve been to Paris once before but only for a few days. We’re really looking forward to spending more time there and exploring everything that we missed,” says Amy.

Brydon Heller says Amy’s “fresh and unique” flavour combination tickled the judges’ taste buds.

“We just love the flavours that Amy has used and we currently don’t have an Asian-inspired sausage in our range.

“We felt that most New Zealanders could relate to its flavour profile yet it still offered quite a different taste sensation.

“It’s an exciting challenge to make it come alive, and this is how we see the competition – developing new and exciting ideas.”

The top 12 entries also included Tasty Tamarillo, combining pork, tamarillo, onion, soy sauce, brown sugar and pinot noir, Beer Grill which was pilsner marinated beef finished with caramelised onion, Cheesy-mite with beef, marmite and tasty cheese, and Lasarnie, combining beef, oregano, mozzarella, thyme, garlic, tomato and red wine.

-ENDS-

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