Great British Food Awards 2025

“It was an honour and a privilege to be invited to judge this year’s Great British Food Awards, celebrating the very best of food and drink produced across Great Britain. From England to Ireland to Scotland and Wales, the entries showcased the incredible skill, creativity, and passion of our nation’s producers. Each tasting revealed the exceptional quality and diversity found on our shores. The overall winner, Figgy’s Christmas Pudding, stood out for its beautifully moist, flavourful texture and festive character. Packed with plump raisins, sultanas, crunchy almonds and tender apple pieces, it offered a wonderfully rich and indulgent taste. The touch of cider brandy brought warmth and depth, balancing the natural sweetness of the fruit – it really was Christmas comfort in every mouthful. Other outstanding entries included Aberffraw Bara Brith Biscuits, which combined the buttery richness of shortbread with the gentle spice and currant sweetness of traditional bara brith. Baked in their signature scallop shell shape, winner: Figgy's Christmas Pudding To findourGrandChampion, theGoldwinners of each categorywere taste-testedby theesteemed teamat Booths, and they had the enviable task of decidingwhichproduct to award the crown to.With thequality of entries higher than ever, they hadquite the jobon their hands this year! John Gill , head of marketing and trading at Booths, says: they were crisp, delicately crumbly, and utterly delicious. Burren Balsamic’s Blackberry and Thyme Vinegar also impressed with its vivid, aromatic flavour – sweet, tangy, and subtly savoury – perfect for everything from salads to desserts. The Wagyu Denver Steak fromWyndford Farms was remarkable for its tenderness and depth of flavour, while Hawkshead’s Brinjal Pickle delighted with its warmly spiced, balanced sweetness and tang. The Great British Food Awards are a true celebration of culinary excellence, shining a spotlight on our thriving food and drink industry, and reaffirm that British producers are crafting world class products rooted in quality, sustainability and passion. I’m extremely proud to have been involved.” greatbr i t ishfoodawards.com 29