Chasing Stars: Our Great Taste Awards Journey
A Glimpse into the Great Taste Awards
Established in 1994 by the Guild of Fine Food, the Great Taste Awards have become the world's largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. Often dubbed the "Oscars" of the food industry, these awards celebrate excellence in taste, regardless of branding or packaging
Key Facts:
Global Participation: In 2023, over 14,000 products from 109 countries were submitted, highlighting the awards' international prestige. Guild of Fine Food+1Ludlow Farmshop+1
Rigorous Judging: More than 500 experts, including chefs, food critics, and retailers, conduct blind tastings over several months to ensure impartiality. Soglos
Selective Recognition:
Approximately 29% of entries receive a 1-star award, signifying "food and drink that delivers fantastic flavour."
Around 10% achieve 2 stars, denoting products that are "above and beyond delicious."
A mere 1.8% earn the coveted 3-star rating, reserved for "extraordinarily tasty food and drink."
Make it stand out
Our Humble Beginnings
In 2022, with a mix of excitement and trepidation, we decided to submit our first entries: the Crème de Cashew Chive & Garlic and the Cashew Brie Original. Sending our creations via courier, we had modest expectations. To our astonishment, the Crème de Cashew clinched a 1-star award. The recognition was exhilarating; we shared our joy at markets, meetings, and with friends, feeling validated in our craft.
Make it stand out
A Year of Pause and Reflection
The following year, 2023, brought significant personal milestones: the arrival of our second child, Amélie, demanding full-time jobs, and the challenges of settling into a new home. Recognizing our limits, we took a hiatus from the awards, focusing on family and personal growth
Trials and Tribulations
In 2024, rejuvenated and determined, I resigned from my full-time job to dedicate myself to our dairy-free cheese venture. We prepared three cream cheese entries, meticulously labeled and sent via DHL with next-day delivery. However, fate had other plans. The package was lost, and after weeks of inquiries, it returned—damaged and filled with expired cheese. The disappointment was palpable, but the support from the Great Taste team was heartening, even if the situation was beyond their control.
Perseverance Pays Off
Undeterred, in January 2025, I resolved to personally deliver our entries. On April 30th, I embarked on my journey, only to have airport security confiscate my cheeses. Devastated but not defeated, I visited the Great Taste offices near Borough Market. Their kindness shone through as they allowed me an extension to submit our products.
Seizing the opportunity, I booked another flight, this time checking in my precious cargo. On May 6th, 2025, at 2:30 PM, after multiple attempts and setbacks, our cheeses were finally in the hands of the judges.
Looking Ahead
Now, we await the results, which will be announced in 2-3 months. Regardless of the outcome, the journey has been invaluable. Each challenge taught us resilience, and each setback strengthened our resolve. We may have stumbled, but we never stopped moving forward.
Here's to the passion that drives us and the stars we're chasing.