Organic Food Award Winners 2012
The winners of the Soil Association Organic Food Awards 2012 have been announced as part of this year's Organic September, Europe's biggest celebration of all things organic.
Now in their 24th year, the Soil Association Organic Food Awards recognise and celebrate the highest quality organic food and drink. The awards are among the most prestigious and widely respected in the UK food sector.
The list includes well-known brands alongside products from smaller businesses and family-run farms, showing the diversity and scope of organic production.
Over three days at the Duke of Cambridge organic pub in London, an expert judging panel of food critics, restaurateurs, broadcasters and chefs, including Hardeep Singh Kohli and Jo Wood, sipped, nibbled and crunched their way through over 500 products across 34 categories, - from poultry, preserves and pies to cheese, chocolate and baby food.
Judging in all categories was by blind tasting, with products rated according to smell, texture, appearance, taste and overall 'yumminess'.
This year the special dairy award for Best Organic Dairy goes to Acorn Dairy, Darlington. They were judged on extra criteria including farm management, conservation, animal welfare and community involvement, as well as taste.
The awards are open to all organic food and drink products that are certified by a recognised certifier within the EU. Winners gain industry respect and are able to use the recognised and trusted awards logo on their products.
These awards showcase the best of organic food and drink and the high quality of products within this market. As the organic market returns to growth, this is a great time to encourage wider availability of these products so that more people can enjoy them.
Finn Cottle, Soil Association Certification Trade consultant
For more information visit www.soilassociation.org