Ice cream is a national passion and ice cream parlors are places of worship. Everyone is a fan of their favorite with the same fervor as of a football club. The first edition of the Coppa d'Oro Argentina contest was a good opportunity to give visibility to the best artisanal ice cream of our country that now faces a great challenge, compete in a world championship in Italy.
Within the framework of the International Technology Fair for Ice Cream, Jams, Chocolates, Bakeries, Pastas, Pizzas and Convenience Articles (FITHEP), which took place between June 5 and 7 in the city of Córdoba, 15 experienced ice cream masters from all over the country competed in a contest organized by the Association of Artisanal Manufacturers of Ice Cream and Related (AFADHYA).
The participants, professionals eager to taste their art in the international prize "Coppa d'Oro" - since 1970 considered the "Oscar of artisanal ice cream" in Italy - had to prepare a dark chocolate ice cream and were judged by its taste and structure (body, texture, cold sensation), in addition to the order and hygiene of their work area.
Who makes the best ice cream in Argentina
The San Juan Gerardo Pozo, the best ice cream maker in Argentina.
The average age of the participating ice cream makers was 35 years and most of them were male. Only three ice cream masters competed: Judith Bartizzagh from Santa Fe, Belén Cimino from Cordoba and Nataly Alejandra Solé from Santiago.
There were also participants from San Juan and Neuquén and many from the province of Buenos Aires such as the ice cream makers of Maxims Helados de San Nicolás de los Arroyos and Buffala de Adrogué (GBA).
A jury chaired by Antonio Mezzalira, a recognized reference of Italian gastronomy, and composed of local professionals of different culinary specialties was inclined to the ice cream prepared by Gerardo Pozo, 34, who works for the San Juan chain of ice cream parlors Portho Gelatto and thatfor the first time is presented in a contest of these characteristics.
Gerardo Pozo with the jury of the contest that took place in Córdoba.
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My favorite flavor is chocolate so this competition was a personal challenge for me. I know this is just the beginning. I had all San Juan behind me taking care of me," he said excitedly upon learning of his triumph. He also thanked his family, his wife and three children who accompanied him and added: "I never dreamed of going to Italy, now I will be able to do it. I'm going to be able to cross the Atlantic."
The second place went to Nahuel Rampoldi from Quilmes (province of Buenos Aires), member of the team that competed in the last World Cup of ice cream in Rimini (Italy) and owner of the Rampoldi ice cream parlor located in Bernal. While the third place went to Emanuel Ratari of Pergamino, owner of Helados Lilo's who has 40 years of experience in that city.
For his part, the champion, Gerardo Pozo obtained the direct classification to the 53rd edition of the International Artisan Ice Cream Exhibition in Longarone, Italy, with airfare and paid stay.
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