Here are the very best food products from 2015 entered into this year's Great Taste Awards.
Earlier this week, 3,109 products received one, two, or three stars from the Great Taste Awards, a badge of honour that can be displayed to the world on their packaging.
The awards are run by the Guild of Fine Food, which is widely acknowledged as an important authority on all things food and drink.
Following the star ratings, Great Taste has now also revealed the top 50 products of the year as decided by its judging panel.
How many products got stars?
A total of 130 food and drink items received a coveted three-star rating this year, down from last year’s more generous allocation of three stars to 153 products. Meanwhile, 597 products took home two stars, and a further 2382 were awarded one star.
Great Taste reports that only 31% of entrants received at least one star, so it’s by no means a given that a product will achieve recognition of its quality from the judges.
“Looking at the results, there’s a clear theme of a return to simple and traditional artisan foods,” said Guild of Fine Food MD John Farrand. “We’re seeing a resurgence of products like artisan butters as well as the continued rise of fresh meat, craft beers and ciders.”
The top 50 of 2015
It’s an eclectic list this year, with everything from a seemingly-humble but judge-wowing chicken, bacon and leek pie from family butcher shop William Dyer to a 100-day-aged sparkling beer ‘brut’ from Savour Beer, which its makers describe as a tribute to Champagne.
Over 400 judges came together this year to award stars and name the very best producers, and the products are tasted and retasted to ensure their excellence and worthiness.
Some producers really excelled this year. Thornbridge Brewery, La Gelatiera, Saveur du Maroc and Jess’s Ladies Organic Farm Milk all managed to get two products into the top 50, which in itself is a remarkable achievement.
However, Martin’s Meats went one better, with three of its top rib products named in the list. The judges described the meats as “melt in the mouth”, praising the moisture, depth of flavour and succulent textures on offer.
And Akesson’s Chocolate saw four of its organic chocolate products enter the hit parade. Three were chocolates containing 75% cocoa solids, which caught the judges’ attention with their “rich but not bitter” and “sophisticated” flavours, plus one 100% cocoa solids bar which was hailed as a “technical marvel”. It has no bitterness, apparently, just a deliciously full flavour.
This year’s full top 50 can be found on the Great Taste website.
Second helpings coming up
The Golden Forks, which are presented to the overall winners among their region or food category, will be presented at a celebration dinner at the Royal Garden Hotel in London.
This is set to take place on 7th September, and loveFOOD will bring you those results shortly after the ceremony.
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