Great British Food Awards 2020: The Producer Winners!

It barely needs saying that times have been extremely tough for small British producers and retailers this year – so this Christmas, it’s never been more important to shop locally and support independent businesses. As part of the Great British Food Awards 2020 we’re championing standout producers from across the UK, and our host of incredible winners should offer tonnes of inspiration for your festive shopping.

This year saw us introduce several new categories and welcome a host of new celebrity judges, including William Sitwell, Asma Khan, Mitch Tonks, Vivek Singh and Martha Collison. For our producer categories we’re absolutely delighted to see so many truly innovative small companies coming top, while the results of our reader–voted categories offer a real insight into the minds of food lovers today, with top names running alongside well-loved independent retailers.

So, after a huge number of entries and months of rigorous shortlisting, testing, tasting and voting – the results are in! We are thrilled to reveal the winners of the Great British Food Awards 2020.

GRAND BRITISH CHAMPION 2020

THE COPPER PAN FUDGE COMPANY’S COPPERCRUNCH

“What an absolute joy. On appearance quite unassuming, maybe it’s fudge or possibly toffee, the layer of chocolate and nuts add some intrigue but surely nothing I haven’t seen before. On first taste though, just wow, the taste of toffee brittle, nuts and chocolate sent my mind back to being a kid, remembering flavours I’d forgotten but love so much. Texture wise, the brittle top layer combines wonderfully with the soft toffee beneath to deliver a heavenly bite every time. This product is supreme” – John Gill, Head of Marketing & Trading at Booths

THE REGIONAL WINNERS

Fantastic producers that came top for provenance with our judges

SCOTLAND: HEBRIDEAN SMOKEHOUSE LTD

The Isle of Uist has been home to this smokehouse for over 30 years. The surrounding pristine
waters support all the salmon and sea trout that the company uses to make its special peat and beechwood smoked products. It’s this commitment to quality raw ingredients, plus the skills of the expert team, that has earned Hebridean Smokehouse a reputation for producing the very best smoked fish

NORTH OF ENGLAND: R2 DISTILLERS LTD

Makers of Divine Gin, West Yorkshirebased R2 Distilleries have fantastic local credentials; the team uses Shepley Spring water from neighbouring Huddersfield in its gins and bottles are sourced from Allied Glass in Leeds, less than 20 miles from the distillery. The botanicals used are not discarded afterwards either – they are recycled a stone’s throw away from the distillery into a local Earthworks Garden Project, who use it in their compost.

MIDLANDS: WILLY’S LTD

Willy apple cider vinegar is made from 48 classic apple varieties grown in the company’s 300-year old organic orchards in Herefordshire. From blossom to bottle the vinegar is all natural; raw and unfiltered it contains all the incredible probiotic goodness of the live Mother. The orchards boast incredible natural diversity thanks to the sustainable and organic farming methods.

EAST ANGLIA: FAIRFIELDS FARM CRISPS

Fairfields Farm grow, cold store, wash, grade and bag twelve different potato varieties. The team also grows its own special varieties of crisping potatoes which are hand cooked on the farm to the highest possible standard, using gas and electricity which is generated on the farm from their anaerobic digestion plant and solar panels.

LONDON & SOUTH EAST: THE FRESH FISH SHOP

This stunning deli has been selling fish from the counter for over 30 years and, more recently, started supplying packaged fresh fish to retailers across the country. The team holds regular cooking classes, demonstrations and tastings in the store, and offers free recipe cards to encourage customers to try something new.

SOUTH WEST: JERSEY DAIRY

The Jersey Dairy Company’s herd has access to open air all year and spends most of the late spring, summer and early autumn months at pasture. It’s this access to fresh grass and sea air that produces the distinctive and unique creamy milk used in the company’s delicious luxury ice cream mix

WALES: PENBEDW LAMB

Penbedw Farm is where Nicholas Archdale has been breeding from the same flock since 1947. With a surge in online home delivery, growing demand for sustainable farming and support for local produce, in May 2020 the team started offering a selection of home delivery boxes of the farm’s stunning PGI certified, Welsh farm-assured lamb.

NORTHERN IRELAND: MASH DIRECT

An innovative family farming enterprise run by the Hamiltons at their sixth generation farm north of Belfast. The family grow and select heritage varieties of vegetables that are then gently transformed into an innovative range of convenient, quick-serve vegetable and potato side-dishes.

THE BEST BRITISH PRODUCTS OF 2020

MEAT Judged by chef Vivek Singh

WINNER
Packington Free Range Whole Shoulder of Pork
“There were 11 entries in the category and as packed as it was, this product stood out for its clean taste and balanced richness. The care that goes into producing it shone through by some margin for me, and that’s why it’s the winner.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Heritage Meats Herdwick Hogget Leg Joint
Aldi British Wagyu Sirloin

FISH & SEAFOOD Judged by chef Mitch Tonks

WINNER
Alfred Enderby Traditional Fish Smokers Traditional Smoked Haddock
“A British heritage product perfectly executed: high quality fish prepared using time-tested methods. I felt I was eating something unique – moist, spiky fish flakes with perfectly balanced smokiness and salt. This is iconic smoked haddock.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Loch Fyne Bradan Orach Smoked Salmon
Loch Fyne Oysters

BEST START–UP Judged by Booths

WINNER
byRuby
“Seriously great-tasting frozen ready meals, made only with ingredients you would use in your own kitchen. We sampled four products from the range and each one tasted as though it was cooked from scratch that evening. Generous portion sizes too.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Rosemullion Distillery
In the Welsh Wind Distillery

POULTRY Judged by chef Asma Khan

WINNER
Morton’s Family Farm Free Range Cockerel
“The cockerel was incredibly moist. Most unusual as I had expected it to be similar to chicken in texture. It was so much better than any poultry that I have had in this country. The skin was really tasty too.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Packington Free Range Chicken Thighs
Packington Free Range Chicken Fillets

BEST NEW PRODUCT Judged by Booths

WINNER
Burren Balsamics Irish Peat
Smoked Balsamic Vinegar
“A wonderfully unique tasting condiment, quite unlike anything our buyers have tasted before. White Italian pale balsamic with rich smoky flavours of peat. Not as acidic as the average balsamic, this wonderful product could easily complement many a dish without overpowering.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Jason’s Bread
TwelveBelow Apple & Garden Mint Tonic

SAVOURY SNACKS Judged by chef Michel Roux Jr

WINNER
Two Farmers Hand-cooked Crisps Salt & Cider Vinegar
“Just the right amount of salt and vinegar to make the perfect crisp. The apple cider vinegar is fragrant and has a slight sweet edge. Wonderful! As an added bonus the packaging is biodegradable.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Made For Drink Chorizo Thins
Supernatural Food Ltd Boundless Activated Nuts & Seeds: Turmeric & Smoked Paprika

CHEESE Judged by chef Raymond Blanc

WINNER
Cropwell Bishop Creamery Beauvale
“This for us was the best cheese by far that was entered in the competition. Beautifully creamy, not too salty, with a lasting finish. Perfectly balanced, a real crowd pleaser. Truly versatile, we loved it.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Lynher Dairies Cheese Co. Cornish Kern
Cerney Cheese Limited Cerney Ash Cheese

CHARCUTERIE Judged by chef Adam Handling

WINNER
Martin Thomas Butchers Traditional Black pudding
“ I love everything about this, especially the big chunks of fat. Super delicious, how black pudding should be. I would definitely buy it.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Helen Browning’s Organics Corned Beef
Lane Farm Country Foods Ltd Diced Cooking Chorizo

SAVOURY BAKES & PIES Judged by chef Raymond Blanc

WINNER
Celtic Bakers LTD Organic Olive & Herb Sourdough
“This bread stood out for us in its flavour. The crumb was excellent, a well baked loaf and still retained some moisture in the bread. This was an outstanding example of a flavoured sourdough. Delicious.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Peter’s Yard Poppy Seed Sourdough Crispbread
Brockleby’s Pies Summer Isle Salmon Pie

SWEET BAKES & PIES Judged by baker and food writer Martha Collison

WINNER
Many Macarons Marmalade on Toast Macaron
“One of a kind, unique but, most importantly, delicious! The zesty marmalade pairs with the deep, almond flavour of the shell perfectly, and the buttery centre creates the nostalgic flavour of toast with marmalade.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Frankonia Bakery Apple Crumble Muffin
Cakehead Raspberry & Almond Bake

FROZEN DESSERTS Judged by chef Vivek Singh

WINNER
Fab Fairies and Wicked Tarts Raspberry Choc Ice
“Well conceived and beautifully presented, these lollies came up trumps in the face of very stiff competition. Everyone remarked how well the lollies held their shape and liked their clean flavours.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Aldi Specially Selected Sicilian Lemon Tart
Donald Russell Cheesecake Selection

HOT PUDDINGS Judged by chef Eric Lanlard

WINNER
Charlie Bigham’s Proper Puds Sticky Ginger Pudding
“Very convenient to heat up in its little wooden container. The sponge is very moist and sticky. Full of flavour and well balanced; the ginger didn’t overpower. Truly as good as a homemade one! Great served with vanilla custard.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Charlie Bigham’s Proper Puds Bread & Butter Pudding
Durban Street Food Malva Pudding

BEST BRITISH SPECIALITY Judged by TV chefs The Hairy Bikers

WINNER
Baboo Gelato Elderflower Sorbet
“Beautiful mouth feel which is exactly what you want from a sorbet. Well balanced flavour with a blossom of elderflower scent on the pallet. All in all a superb product.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Donald Russell Lamb Cushion Stuffed with Rosemary & Garlic
Ginger Bakers Westmorland Pepper Cake

SAVOURY PRESERVES Judged by food writer and influencer Rosie Birkett

WINNER
Matthew’s Preserves Spicy Pineapple Chutney
“This chutney is incredibly wellbalanced, with the sweet acidity of the pineapple working beautifully against the fragrant pops of the whole spices. Every mouthful is lovely, hitting your tastebuds with the flavours of fenugreek, nigella and cumin. I can’t wait to make a cheese toastie with this.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Cottage Delight Bolaka Mango & Aubergine Chutney
Cottage Delight English Country Cider Chutney

READY MADE Judged by author and influencer Miguel Barclay

WINNER
Quick Crêpes Crêpes Mix
“So quick and simple, I just added water, grabbed my frying pan and then ate some delicious crepes. I like the fact that this is a long lasting, storecupboard solution to negate the requirement for perishable milk and eggs.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Saffron Tree Gosht ka Salan
Bannisters Yorkshire Family Farm 6 Little Jacket Potatoes

HOME BAKING Judged by chef Asma Khan

WINNER
Shipton Mill Heritage Blend White Flour
“A clear winner! I used the flour to make paratha and Aneesa from my team made a loaf with olives. Both were so delicious. While kneading the dough for the paratha I loved the smoothness of the dough after it had rested.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Brook Vegan Foods Sticky Ginger & Toffee Pudding
Shipton Mill Heritage Blend Stoneground Wholemeal Flour

CLASSIC GIN Judged by drinks writer and presenter Olly Smith

WINNER Exeter Gin
“Bold aromas, excellent aromatic depth, stacks of fragrance and a big hit of juniper all deliver compelling complexity and I could not wait to dive in. Glossy and richly textured with juniper banging a deep bass drum, this glorious gin reverberates with refreshing citrus layers and a kick of zesty spice. It’s epic – a proper festival of flavours.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Lenzie Gin
Isle Of Bute Oyster Gin

FLAVOURED GIN Judged by baker and food writer Martha Collison

WINNER
Orkney Gin Company Rhubarb Old Tom
“This gin is simply outstanding – and probably the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying! It is Turkish delight in a bottle, heady with rose, cinnamon and sweet rhubarb. The balance of botanicals is spot on. It is ideal for summer but I’ll happily sip it year round. Another bottle is already on my Christmas list!”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Wessex Spirits Test Valley Gin
Three Wrens Gin Apple Crumble Edition

ENGLISH WINE Judged by eco chef Tom Hunt

WINNER
Aldwick Estate Jubilate Blanc De Noirs
“I think this wine proves the UK is ready to start shouting about its sparkling wines. It is delicate and well balanced with fine textured bubbles. It tastes of summer, fresh berries and has a touch of brioche. This wine has a new spot on my wine rack.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Vranken–Pommery Louis Pommery England
Aldwick Estate Aldwick Pinot Noir

BEER & CIDER Judged by food and restaurant consultant Natalia Ribbe

WINNER
Hallets Cider Deviation
“This is a wine drinker’s cider, something that goes great with food or simply to sip in the sun – lots of natural wine vibes. Dry on the nose with wafts of stone fruit. It boasts a hint of barley and elderflower on the palate. Love the elegant branding, too.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Gospel Green Cyder Gospel Green Rosé
Monty’s Brewery Monty’s Dark Secret

DAIRY Judged by chef Adam Byatt

WINNER
Old Hall Farm Raw Jersey Butter
“This butter is cultured and has a wonderful acidity and richness but is balanced and refined.You can feel the very essence of the farm it was produced on and the care that had gone into producing the original cream. The setting texture is not too hard and spread on a slice of toasted sourdough this is perfect .”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Cornish Moo Milk
Old Hall Farm Natural Norfolk Yoghurt

HONEY Judged by chef Bryn Williams

WINNER
Bermondsey Street Bees Bermondsey Street Honey
“This is a wonderful honey with a lovely complex and interesting flavour. Like a good wine, the flavour continues to develop on the palate making for a really interesting and versatile honey.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Hive & Keeper Honey from Dymock Woods, Gloucestershire
Bermondsey Street Bees Royal Albert Dock Honey

VINEGARS & OILS Judged by chef Jack Stein

WINNER
Willy’s Ltd Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with The Mother
“I love cider vinegar, and this is world class. I like the story of the 300-year-old orchards, and the Mother aspect of the live ferments. It tastes of proper cider which is unusual in vinegar. Clean and elegant.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Hillfarm Oils Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil
Burren Balsamics Irish Peat Smoked Balsamic Vinegar

SWEET PRESERVES Judged by food writer and influencer Rosie Birkett

WINNER
Radnor Preserves Hand-Cut Lime & Laver Marmalade
“I love the unexpected combination of laver and lime in this zesty marmalade. The laver brings a beautifully saline, umami note which works in contrast with the sweet, zingy lime.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Proper Marmalade Company Lemon & Horseradish Marmalade
Season’s Bounty Sour Black Cherry Jam with Kirsch

WHISKY Judged by chef Richard Bainbridge

WINNER
Douglas Laing & Company Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky
“The flavours really complement each other here. The vanilla blends really well with the nutmeg and cinnamon on the palate and the warming oak spice at the end gives you a nice cosy feeling – like you’re sitting by the fire on a cold winter’s evening.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Adnams Rye Whisky
Adnams Triple Malt Whisky

VODKA Judged by chef Richard Bainbridge

WINNER
Deerness Distillery Into the Wild Vodka
“This delicious vodka has a clean, crisp and refreshing finish with a beautiful hint of citrus. Ideal served simply with a good balanced tonic – my kind of vodka. Like the name suggests, a sip reminds you of clearing away the cobwebs with a light breeze.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
English Spirit Chocolate Chilli Vodka Liqueur
The Wasabi Company Wasabi Vodka

NON–ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS & DRINKS Judged by cook and author Shelina Permalloo

WINNER
Wilfreds Drinks Wilfred’s Non–Alcoholic Aperitif
“An incredible blend of bittersweet orange, rosemary and rhubarb. It is the perfect Aperol substitute and a memorable non alcoholic aperitif with all the bitterness needed for it to feel like an adult drink.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
L.A Brewery Sparkling English Rose
Caleño Drinks Juniper & Inca Berry Non-Alcoholic Spirit

RUM Judged by wine buyer and drinks expert Charlie Stein

WINNER
Rosemullion Distillery Spiced Rum
“A delicious spiced nose with a huge amount going on. The palate is warm and supple, just the right amount of sweetness. Those spices translate amazingly from the nose to the palate and balance out nicely.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
English Spirit English Spiced Rum
Rosemullion Distillery Rosemullion Gold Rum

FRUIT JUICE & MIXERS Judged by critic and food writer William Sitwell

WINNER
Raisthorpe Manor Yorkshire Tonic Pink Grapefruit
“This was an exquisite drink, beautifully made with a really natural taste. It gets the balance between the grapefruit and the sugar content of the tonic. You get that wonderful, gently bitter, refreshing taste of grapefruit and it’s softened by the tonic.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Barn Farm Drinks Opal Apple Juice
Owlet Cheerful Gold Apple Juice

OTHER SPIRITS Judged by wine buyer and drinks expert Charlie Stein

WINNER
Deerness Distillery Orcadian Moon
“There’s a delicious and intense hit of coffee on the nose, very pure and elegant, which is backed up with a hit of walnut, hazelnut, and some lovely dark chocolate and baking spice. Really smooth texture without being too sweet and cloying.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Pinkster Gin Hedgepig Fruit Gin Liqueur
English Spirit English Sambuca

COFFEE Judged by blogger Pippa Middlehurst

WINNER
SOLO Coffee Cold Brew Coffee
“I loved the convenience of this product and found it very easy to drink. The flavour is not too overpowering or bitter and works really well cold. Refreshing, bold and very tasty.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company – Guatemalan Single Origin RFA Coffee Beans
Lost Sheep Coffee – Get To The Hopper

HEALTHY BOOST Judged by eco chef Tom Hunt

WINNER
Willy’s Ltd Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother
“If our shelves were filled with products like this, the world would be a better place. Even the aroma shouts apples, with a funky floral-sweet punch in the nose. And it tastes so good I can drink the stuff, just mix a teaspoon to a tablespoon with a glass of water for a delicious
healthful drink.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Purition Beetroot & Chocolate
Seaspoon Seaweed Boost

CONDIMENTS & COOKING SAUCES Judged by author and influencer Miguel Barclay

WINNER
Karimix Korean Bulgogi Sauce
“What a great sauce! Tastes homemade and encapsulates all the flavours you’d expect from this kind of sauce. This is going on everything from hotdogs to dim sum. I really have fallen in love with this sauce.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Hunter & Gather Garlic Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
Taste of Keejays Peking Hoi Sin Sauce

TEA Judged by blogger Pippa Middlehurst

WINNER
Grey’s Teas Assam Jamguri TGFOP1
“Delicious with or without milk and perfect for breakfast. The flavour was as pleasant on the first sip as it was on the last – not too bold or overpowering.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Grey’s Teas Ceylon Uva Blackwood Organic OP
The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company White Tea & Mango

FREE–FROM Judged by cook and author Shelina Permalloo

WINNER
Simply Ice Cream Raspberry Sorbet
“This sorbet is magnificent in texture and flavour. It had the mouth feel of a gelato, creamy and decadent with the most deliciously tart fresh raspberry flavour which coated the entire palate of pure raspberries.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Vicarage Bakes Indulgent Chocolate Orange Brownies
Lauden Chocolate Ultimate Vegan Chocolate Spread

GLUTEN FREE Judged by chef Eric Lanlard

WINNER
Mash Direct Beer Battered Chips
“The best oven chips I have ever eaten! Super fluffy, crispy on the outside when they came out of the oven. Proper restaurant fat chips! I would have never known that they were gluten free either.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Donald Russell Cider Battered Haddock Fillets
Nairn’s Gluten Free Chunky Biscuit Breaks: Apple & Cinnamon

CHOCOLATE Judged by chef Adam Handling

WINNER
Lauden Chocolate Ultimate Chocolate Spread
“I thought this was absolutely delicious. Perfect amounts of hazelnut and chocolate – full of flavour. I would definitely buy this. The jar looks great too.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Parlour at Lavenham The Parlour Fresh Cream Truffle
Jenny Wren Chocolate Fabulous Fondants

SWEETS Judged by chef and author Maunika Gowardhan

WINNER
The Copper Pan Fudge Company Coppercrunch
“These little squares were just delicious! Fudge with a crunchy mix and just the right amount of sweetness.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Champion & Reeves Ginger Nougat
Scarlett Angel Treacle Toffee

BISCUITS & COOKIES Judged by chef and author Maunika Gowardhan

WINNER
Frankonia Bakery Coco Butter Shortbread
“Buttery, delicious shortbread with a chocolate flavour. I love the traditional, homely packaging too. So moreish and definitely one that I’ll be ordering soon.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Stag Bakeries Stornoway Seaweed Water Biscuits
Indie Bay Snacks Pretzel Bites: Dark Chocolate