The Kiwi businesses that have earned the Snail of Approval - and what that means

Fourteen food businesses have become the first in New Zealand to be awarded the Slow Food “Snail of Approval”... See what Giapo, Scarecrow, Cazador and a Lady Butcher have in common (besides great food). 

Pictured above (clockwise from top left): Hannah Miller, aka, A Lady Butcher; Dariush Lolaiy of Cazador Deli; Giapo and Annarosa of Giapo and Alison Dyson of Scarecrow.

Scarecrow Kitchen, Giapo, A Lady Butcher and Cazador are just a few of the Auckland region food businesses that have become the first businesses in New Zealand to be awarded the Slow Food “Snail of Approval”. 

Also on the list of the recipients are Pasta & Cuore, Brick Bay Wines, Rangihoua Estate, Curious Croppers, Foundry Chocolate, Clevedon Buffalo, Earthbound Honey, Kelmarna Gardens, Ooooby and Hangi Master.

The award recognises passion, intent and effort toward food that is locally grown and produced, that is good, clean and fair and the people who make it happen.

“By recognising their intent, passion and effort rather than perfection," slow Food Auckland Committee Member Anutosh Cusack says. "The Snail of Approval is intended to inspire all types of food businesses to embrace Slow Food principles.”

The Slow Food movement was founded in Italy in 1989 to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions. The movement aims to change the world through food and celebrates the love of food cultures, rituals, and traditions as well as combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us. Since its inception, it has since spread to more than 160 countries worldwide, now including New Zealand.

Antoush notes that launching the Snail of Approval in Auckland is the first step to rolling it out in other regions across Aotearoa. “It is an exciting development in our food culture. It will foster ongoing improvements in ethical, sustainable food business practice by connecting recipients with a community of like-minded businesses and foodie people.

“Many food-related businesses have been hammered by Covid lockdowns. The Snail of Approval will help to support thriving local economies by fairly rewarding those who earn their living from growing, making, and serving food,” she says.

The businesses that have received the awards embody the principals of the movement, and are delighted by the honour. 

Alison from Scarecrow says "We are absolutely delighted by this award and look forward to a long association with the Slow Food Movement."

 "All Snail recipients had demonstrated that they were committed to bringing to life the Slow Food philosophy of Good, Clean, Fair Food for All, say Terry and Karlene of Earthbound Honey. "We are excited & honoured to be named one of them."

Anne of Rangihoua Estate says the award "really gave me more of a sense of how very cool this is and the honour of it all."

Helen, of Clevedon Buffalo says "we are honoured to have been named as one of 2021’s Slow Food Auckland Snail of Approval Recipients and so proud to be named alongside the other incredible local food producers - congratulations all!"

Slow Food Auckland
slowfoodauckland.co.nz