NZ pesto beats the world’s best

In a 'coals to Newcastle' scenario, Auckland-based Essential Cuisine has won a major international award at Belgium’s prestigious International Taste Quality Institute (ITQI).

Competing against pestos from all over the world, including Italy, the home of pesto, the Kiwi pestos took out a Two Star award, earning 84 points out of a potential 100.

Essential Cuisine’s owner David Curtis credits their success to fresh locally-grown herbs and a dedicated team.