Desserts and diners have a complex relationship. Some can easily pass while others can’t go without. Technomic’s dessert report found that 42 percent of consumers order a dessert that they can’t easily make at home, while 40 percent look for a signature item that they can’t find anywhere else. The contentious pavlova is the typical Kiwi dessert, but as New Zealand is being influenced by overseas trends more than ever.
Wes Cannary is co-owner of Auckland’s Kookie Haus, which specialises in cookie dough creations. He moved back to New Zealand from Melbourne after ten years and found that while the New Zealand dessert scene had improved, it was still well behind the rest of the world. “There’s definitely a strong sweet tooth here,” he said. “Restaurants are picking up their game, especially with people uploading their photos onto social media.”
Danielle Butler from The Pie Piper agrees.
“Kiwis love dessert, but in my opinion it's a secondary thought when people are creating their menus or eating out,” she explained. “Following a wonderful meal with a fantastic dessert can elevate the whole experience and enjoyment.” She was also quick to point out that in her mind, dessert was “more than a scoop of ice cream or a slice of pavlova”.
