The results are in, and the people have spoken! We are incredibly honored and proud to announce that Newman’s Plantain (Gonja Crisps) have been named the Best Plantain (Gonja Crisps) at the People’s Choice Quality Awards 2024!

This award, presented to Newman’s by consumers in consultation with statutory bodies, was a direct testament to our dedication to transforming local Ugandan produce into snacks of exceptional quality. We are truly thankful for moments like these.

While many Ugandan cuisines rely on Matooke (the starchy, green cooking banana), our award-winning crisps celebrate the distinct flavor and texture of Gonja (the sweet plantain). Understanding the difference between these two popular staples is key to appreciating our unique snack.

Matooke is primarily starchy and is often steamed and mashed, serving as a savory, mild, and potato-like carbohydrate staple. Gonja, however, is a sweet plantain. When fully ripe, it is high in natural sugars, giving it a rich, slightly caramelized flavor when cooked. It is this inherent difference that guides our selection process.

We specifically select the finest Gonja, waiting until it reaches the perfect ripeness. This careful selection ensures that when we slice and crisp it, we capture that naturally sweet and robust flavor that is impossible to achieve with Matooke, making Newman’s Gonja Crisps stand out as a distinctive and delicious snack.

Winning the People’s Choice Quality Award for Gonja Crisps was validation that our meticulous process works.

Our success highlights our Local Sourcing Expertise, demonstrating our ability to identify and secure the best quality Gonja from our local farming partners. It also validates our Product Integrity, confirming that our unique preparation process enhances the plantain’s natural sweetness and gives it the perfect, unforgettable crunch.

Ultimately, this award is driven by Consumer Preference—the acknowledgment that when given a choice, consumers recognize and reward the distinctive quality and taste of Newman’s Plantain Crisps.