Air New Zealand is looking for three Kiwis to take on what it describes as the sweetest job of the summer: Chief Ice Cream Taster.
The airline has launched a nationwide search for people to help select its next onboard ice cream flavour, in partnership with Nelson-based Appleby Farms. The collaboration will produce a limited-edition treat ready for summer, with the new flavour served onboard flights from early December.
Appleby Farms, known for making ice cream using traditional methods, will see its creations served at 30,000 feet, giving travellers from Nadi to New York, Shanghai to San Francisco a taste of Aotearoa.
Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien said the collaboration is intended to add a playful touch to flying.
“Ice cream is one of those simple pleasures that brings people together. Partnering with Appleby Farms means we can share the very best of locally made ice cream with the world – adding fun, flavour and a little summer magic to every journey,” O’Brien said.
The three chosen tasters will travel to Nelson for a day of sampling with Air New Zealand and Appleby Farms. Their feedback will help decide which flavour is served onboard.
Appleby Farms CEO Peter Findlay said the partnership celebrates Kiwi craft and gives travellers a genuine taste of New Zealand.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Air New Zealand to take a taste of Nelson to the skies. This partnership is about celebrating Kiwi craft and giving travellers around the world a genuine taste of Aotearoa. We can’t wait to see which flavour New Zealanders think deserves to go global,” Findlay said.
The role has no age limits, and anyone with a love of ice cream can apply. According to the position description, tasters should have a passion for dessert, the ability to power through brain freeze, and “exceptional cone-centration skills.”
How to Apply
Think you’ve got what it takes to lick the competition? Apply via the Air New Zealand Careers page by Sunday 21 September.
The lucky trio will be flown to Nelson for an official taste-testing before the winning flavour is crowned and served onboard this summer.
This is one role where brain freeze is optional, but a love of ice cream is absolutely mandatory. If you’ve got the scoop skills and appetite for the coolest job in Aotearoa, apply now.
