taste awards winners 2024
Celebrating 20 years of showcasing the very best of Yorkshire’s food and drink, the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards revealed their 2024 champions in style this week, with a glittering awards ceremony at Pavilions of Harrogate.
With thanks to our Headline Sponsor:
“Booths was founded on one simple aim, to sell the best food and drink available. Recognising excellence in locally produced food and drink is vital in the food industry and we’re proud to support 20 years of celebrating the best that Yorkshire has to offer.”
Nigel Murray – Managing Director of Booths
The biggest food and drink awards in the North of England.
The annual celebration of the region’s thriving industry is now the biggest of its kind in the North of England, receiving hundreds of entries across its 24 categories from businesses of all shapes and sizes across the county.
Welcoming Booths as this year’s Headline Sponsor, judging for the awards took place over the summer, led by Head Judges, artisan food champion Nigel Barden and Chef Consultant Steph Moon.
The seasoned panel included industry experts, chefs, supermarket buyers, writers, consultants and food entrepreneurs, who carefully worked their way through each of the delicious entries, before whittling them down into the coveted list of finalists which was announced in September.
The much-anticipated Taste Award Champions, which included awards for Best Pork Pie, Bakery, New Business and Best Sustainable Product amongst others, were finally revealed this week at a black-tie event which saw guests dine on a delicious menu, featuring many of the shortlisted and winning products.
As well as the product and business categories, the winner of the 2024 Judy Bell Yorkshire Food Hero Award was also revealed, along with the overall Taste Award Supreme Product Champion, which is the panel’s stand out entry of the year.
And the 2024 winners are…
“ The Taste Awards are a real testament to the strength of our industry here in Yorkshire, and these awards go from strength to strength, attracting entries from new and innovative businesses, as well as from those famous Yorkshire stalwarts we all know and love. Being involved in the judging is always so exciting, and it’s encouraging to uncover something new and delicious each time. It’s great to see that businesses here in God’s own county continue to innovate, collaborate and thrive, producing products of such a high standard.”
Nigel Barden – Head Judge
And the 2024 winners are…
Best Bakery Product
WINNER: Luke’s Bakery
Malted Granary Sourdough
In another great year for entries into the popular Bakery category which showcases the best of sweet and savoury products, this year’s winner certainly didn’t disappoint!
Owner Luke Jenneson founded the Brough based businesses in 2017 after graduating from the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London with a Diploma in Artisan Bread Making.
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best beer
WINNER: Rudgate Brewery
Valkyrie APA
In an ever-expanding category, this year’s shortlist featured four fantastic businesses which are a testament to the quality of beer Yorkshire’s brewers are producing.
No stranger to winning awards, the team at Tockwith based Rudgate Brewery have been making their delicious range of beers since 1992.
Valkyrie APA was described as extremely gluggable! “Complex and intriguing, this beer will appeal to numerous different palates. Weighty with lots of layers of flavour, we love it’s floral, fruity notes and dry, lingering finish. A beer that takes you on a flavour journey and is extremely interesting to drink!
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best beverage (cold)
WINNER: Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice Co
Cloudy Apple & Damson Juice
With a real diversity throughout the category from tonics to juices, cordials to alcohol free spirits, it certainly proved tricky for the panel to pick out this year’s winner.
The triumphant product, Cloudy Apple & Damson Juice from Malton based Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice however really put a zing in their steps!
Run by husband-and-wife team Jon and Jane Birch, their range of products, made using locally sourced ingredients are now stocked throughout the region and beyond.
The panel described this year’s winner as: “Fresh and full of flavour. We love the heady, fruity notes which smack you round the face like a hedgerow in autumn. Simply delicious!”
Best beverage (hot)
WINNER: Dark Woods Coffee
Colombia El Placer Red Fruits
No strangers to winning Taste Awards, the team at West Yorkshire based Dark Woods Coffee have carefully honed their roasting skills to perfection since the business was founded in 2013.
Now showcasing a multi award-winning range of hand-roasted coffees, their team also run a Barista school, and pop-up café nestled on the edge of Marsden village.
This year’s panel loved Colombia El Placer Red Fruits describing it as: “Unusual, fruity and a joy to drink. This coffee is complex and sweet with black forest gateau flavours, a juicy body and cherry flavours that linger positively on a long finish. Yes please!”
Best cheese
WINNER: Botton Creamery
Summerfields Alpine Style Hard Cheese
This year’s winning cheese, Summerfields Alpine Style Hard Cheese from Botton Creamery, really hit the spot with the panel, who loved the flavour journey it took them on, describing it as: “Creamy and nutty and delivering massively on taste.”
Part of the Camphill Village Trust charity, Botton Creamery, based in the North York Moors, is a thriving community offering adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to work and learn amongst a range of land-based activities.
“Deliciously Floral and alpine, its taste transports you to the Swiss mountain pastures. A fantastic cheese and a very special product indeed.”
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best confectionery
WINNER: Fusion Chocolate
Signature Collection
Starting out making chocolates from her kitchen table for family and friends in 2021, founder of Fusion Chocolates, Paula Bui made the leap into full time confectionery in 2022 after completing her studies with Swedish chocolatier Kalle Jungstedt, honing her knowledge along with the art of pairing flavours.
The judges described her Signature Collection as incredibly enticing: “A plethora of amazing colours and a true artist’s palate of flavours. The half-domed shells provide an initial bite and crunch, revealing stunningly diverse flavours, which have clearly been made by a true artisan chocolatier. A delight to look at as well as to eat.”
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Best free from
WINNER: Casa Mia
Amaretto Biscuits
In a category that showcases a wide variety of products, this year’s winning entry from Leeds based Casa Mia caused a real stir amongst the panel.
Created by husband-and-wife team Francesco and Marta Mazzella who run their popular restaurant alongside masterclasses and events catering, the judges praised their winning Amaretto Biscuits on all fronts.
“Beautifully chewy and deliciously moreish. This are a standout product, not just in this Free From category, but against others too. They deliver on flavour in spades. Rich, creamy and grown up, with a soft melt in the mouth texture, underpinned by a controlled hit of marzipan. More please!”
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Best fresh meat
WINNER: Herb Fed Ltd
Herb Fed Summer Chicken Flat-Iron
A favourite category to judge year on year, the care and quality of the winning product from Herb Fed Ltd really shone through.
A real farm to fork enterprise, Edward and Emma Wilkinson, produce a range of award-winning, high-welfare poultry from their farm in Easingwold, North Yorkshire.
Rearing turkeys seasonally and chickens throughout the year for customers around the region and beyond, this year’s winning product, Herb Fed Summer Chicken Flat-Iron, really stopped the judges in their tracks.
“It’s deliciously moist and has cooked beautifully. The herby flavours really sing throughout, and the skin is crisp and delicious. A product to be seriously proud of.”
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Best Fresh Produce
WINNER: Hedgeman’s Veg: Ridley’s
Organic Chioggia Beetroot
This category could be described as a broad church! Filled with delicious, fresh produce of all types grown throughout Yorkshire, it’s certainly diverse, and incredibly delicious too.
This year’s winning product, Ridley’s – Organic Chioggia Beetroot from The Hedgeman’s Veg in the North York Moors was a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds, with the judges praising it as “a real stunner!”
The family run business grow their own produce, with a focus on sustainability and well-being, and the panel were blown away by the products striking appearance and deep, rich, earthy flavours. “The quality of this product is evident from the first bite and is a delicious example of fresh, well-grown produce at its best.”
best ice cream and dairy
WINNER: Ryeburn of Helmsley
Jaffa Cake Ice Cream
With a huge number of fantastically diverse entries, our judging panel had their work cut out to determine this year’s winner of the Best Ice Cream and Dairy category.
As previous winners of this award, Helmsley based Ryeburn blew the judges socks off with their Jaffa Cake Ice Cream, which was a standout due to its fantastic texture and delicious, natural flavours.
“This is an ice cream that does what it says on the label. Seriously delivering on flavour, the chocolate tastes high quality and the fruity elements are zingy and delicious. Thick, creamy and super smooth, it’s a joy to eat.”
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Best pantry
WINNER: Charlie & Ivy’s
Honey & Mustard Dressing
The Best Pantry award covers everything from pasta to oil, sauces to rubs and everything in between, but the flavours and quality of this year’s winning product from Malton based Charlie & Ivy’s really shone through for our panel.
Described as having a “perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity”, the winning Honey & Mustard Dressing was a real showstopper.
Made using rapeseed oil, grown and pressed on the family farm, Charlie and Ivy produce a range of award-winning artisan dressings, mayonnaise and bread dippers.
The judges loved the winning products nice hit of mustard. “A great colour, and full of flavour. You can really taste the quality and care that’s gone into creating this deliciously versatile product.”
Best pork pie
WINNER: J A Mounfield & Son
1lb Pork Pie
Our judges described this year’s winning pork pie as “Artisan perfection!”
Always a hotly contested category, filled with delicious examples from across the county, this year’s winner came in the form of Selby based family run butchers J A Mounfield & Son’s Ilb Pork Pie and certainly did not disappoint!
“A handsome pie, with a consistent glaze and beautiful artisanal crimping. The pastry offers up the perfect crunch encasing a soft, well spiced pork and gelatine filling. It’s pie in perfect harmony to be seriously proud of, and is dangerously addictive!”
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Best prepared meat (cold)
WINNER: Lishman’s of Ilkley
Haslet
A firm favourite with the judges year on year, the panel had an incredibly difficult task whittling down this year’s entries, as the standard across the board was so high.
This year’s standout product was Haslet from family run butchers Lishman’s of Ilkley, with the panel describing it as “a really clever product.”
“Who needs chorizo when this exists! Absolutely delicious, with a great flavour that comes through in layers. Comforting and old fashioned, it’s peppery, herby and has a lovely spicey finish. Perfectly balanced umami notes with a delicious crust and bite, it tastes of a bygone era and is absolutely divine.”
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Best prepared meat (hot)
WINNER: Drake & Macefield
Smoked Back Bacon
With an abundance of fantastic butchers and producers throughout the county, each year the Best Prepared Hot Meat category is a testament to the quality businesses that call Yorkshire home.
Drake & Macefield’s entry was a serious standout for the judges who loved its perfectly controlled level of smoke. The family run butchers, who have shops in Settle, Skipton and Cross Hills, wowed the panel with their Smoked Back Bacon, labelling it as “simply delicious!”
“Moist, unctuous and well balanced, the fat is juicy and full of flavour with the perfect level of salt. We love its rich sweetness and know that breakfast would be memorable with this on our plates!”
best ready to eat
WINNER: Dan’s Pie Company
Chicken & Chestnut Mushroom Pie
Simple, well-executed products are always loved by the Taste Award judges, and this year’s winning Ready to Eat product was a perfect example of just that.
The panel described the winning Chicken & Chestnut Mushroom Pie as “perfection”.
Handmade using locally sourced meat and fillings, Pocklington based Dan’s Pie Company sell their artisan range at markets and through independent retailers throughout the region.
“This pie smells great and looks so appealing. The pastry is buttery, crisp and delicious with a succulent, generous filling. The chicken has retained its delicious moisture, alongside the umami rich chestnut mushrooms. We just loved it!”
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best savoury condiment
WINNER: Farmer Copleys
Copleys Kitchen Bread & Butter Pickle
A masterclass in balancing flavour and texture, the judges loved Farmer Copleys, Copleys Kitchen Bread & Butter Pickle, with its “interesting depth of flavour paired with a clever combination of ingredients”.
The award-winning Pontefract based Farm Shop opened Copley’s Kitchen in 2023, as a space to allow visitors to see how they create their own range of pickles, preserves and gelato on site, and continue to produce high quality products for their loyal customers.
The panel praised it texture and crunch, saying: “This is an intriguing pickle and has a perfect combination of vegetables, retaining their vibrancy and bite. A very clever and well executed product indeed.”
best spirit
WINNER: Rhucello Limited
Rhucello
With a thriving spirit industry in Yorkshire, this category is consistently packed with quality entries and deliciously quirky flavour combinations, and this year’s winning drink was universally loved by our panel, which included judges from the International Wine and Spirits competition.
A local take on a traditional limoncello, Rhucello is made using rhubarb from the famous Yorkshire triangle and is an intriguing mixture of tart fruit and sweeter alcoholic liqueur.
“Beautiful served over ice, or as a long drink with sparkling water or tonic, this is a seriously great product and a stand-out in this category with its fresh, fruity flavours.”
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best sustainable product
WINNER: Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil
Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil
Now in its second year, this category takes into consideration not just taste, but the sustainability of the business who make it, their ethos, working practices and impact on the environment.
Amongst a raft of impressive entries, this year’s winner, Malton based Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil, who grow and press their own oil on the family farm, seriously impressed the panel with their commitment to all aspects of sustainability.
“This year’s winner adopts multiple practices across their business that show that they care passionately about the land they farm, the community in which they are based, and the wider economy in which they sit. They also happen to produce a product that is truly stunning! A very worthy winner.”
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best sweet preserve
WINNER: Farmer Copleys
Copleys Kitchen Ridiculously Rhubarb Jam
In an ever-diverse category, simplicity always shines through, and this year’s winner, Ridiculously Rhubarb Jam from Farmer Copleys was no exception.
Described as “absurdly moreish”, the panel loved its “honest straightforwardness”.
“Not too sweet and with lovely, discernible pieces of rhubarb, it’s rich and fruity, and a preserve that packs a punch of flavour, with a nice balance of acidity. It would be perfection on porridge and great on toast, or even alongside pork or cheese. A well-rounded and versatile product.”
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best independent retailer
WINNER: Drewton’s
Yorkshire is home to so many fantastic independent retailers, so this award is always hotly contested and one to watch!
Family owned and run, Drewton’s is a traditional farm shop set amongst the 1200 acres of the Drewton’s Estate near South Cave, and their entry certainly made a mark on the judges.
“This business clearly articulated how Yorkshire, and their support of local suppliers, is central to their business ethos, which was also fantastically reflected in how they communicate creatively and effectively to their customers.
“Their engaged and knowledgeable staff were clearly passionate about the provenance and quality of the local produce on offer. A stunning Yorkshire retail experience to be proud of.”
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best new business
WINNER: The Yorkshire Kitchen
In Yorkshire’s thriving food and drink industry, the Best New Business award is always a showcase of innovation and passion, and this year’s winner was no different.
Founded by Sarah and Jamie Stokes, The Yorkshire Kitchen was born out of their love of eating brandy butter at Christmas, and has grown to become a thriving start up, with an ever-expanding product range of innovative products.
The judges praised their well-articulated entry, showcasing their proud Yorkshire roots from start to finish. “This business has a genuine focus and commitment to quality, delivered by using natural, locally sourced ingredients. With great examples of collaboration and support of other regional businesses, their innovation and ambition for the future is inspiring.”
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best use of local produce on a menu
WINNER: Yorkshire Food Finder
The evidence and, crucially, the communication of provenance and local sourcing on the menus of tonight’s winner was outstanding and scored top marks with the judges.
Founded and run by Sue and Aidan Nelson, Yorkshire Food Finder is a York based businesses celebrating Yorkshire’s finest food and drink and offering food trails with unique behind-the-scenes access to the county’s producers and chefs through their tours and pop-up supper clubs.
“It might be a small venture, but what an amazing idea! Curated Yorkshire suppers with friends, cooked in the comfort of home surroundings is positively genius. The attention given to showcasing ingredients with real Yorkshire provenance, and proudly sharing growers and producers back stories to those dining is just excellent.”
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best wholesaler
WINNER: Herb Fed Ltd
“Knowledgeable and committed”, this year’s panel heaped praise on the 2024 Best Wholesaler winners, Easingwold based Herb Fed Ltd, for their dedication and passion.
Commending their clear commitment to developing long-term relationships and providing the finest quality products, the judges noted owners Edward and Emma’s clear dedication to producing the highest welfare products for retailers, butchers and restaurants across the county and beyond. “This business showcases farming and relationships as they should be. A business that is going places, with a dedication and an ethos to be truly proud of.”
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judy bell yorkshire food hero
WINNER: Andrew Pern
Chef
This year’s winner is a true Yorkshire lad who has always stayed close to his roots. Inspired by the incredible Yorkshire produce he grew up surrounded by, Andrew has been a tireless champion of the region’s food and drink scene for more than 30 years.
After taking ownership of The Star Inn at Harome at just 25, he quickly fashioned it into one of the first ever ‘gastropubs’, regularly winning awards, including a prestigious Michelin Star in 2002
2023 saw the opening of the York Minster Refectory, a new restaurant set in the heart of York, serving dishes showcasing an abundance of local produce.
His approach has always been to let the seasons write the menus, with each element from meat, vegetables and herbs, taken from Yorkshire’s high quality and varied pantry of food. Andrew presents new takes on old-fashioned British-style favourites and Anglicised French classics, creating dishes that are accessible to all.
“Championing Yorkshire, its rich culinary landscape and artisan food and drink producers is what Andew has done brilliantly and consistently over many years, and he is a very worthy winner of this year’s Judy Bell Yorkshire Food Hero Award.”
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supreme product champion
WINNER: Rhucello Ltd
Rhucello
The champion of champions! The Supreme Product Award is the judges’ stand-out product entry of the year, selected from the winners of each category at the end of judging week.
This year’s Supreme Product accolade was awarded to Rhucello, a small but mighty business which has gained a cult following of fans since being founded in 2014.
Originally created as a bit of a joke after a visit to a Dutch liqueur distillery, Rhucello was dreamt up after many of the party (who hailed from Wakefield in the famous Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle) realised there was no Rhubarb variety on offer!
Fast forward 10 years and Rhucello has since gone through many a taste testing and is now sold through independent retailers and at food markets far and wide.
The judges adored its versatility, honest flavours and fresh, fruity notes. “A true Yorkshire spirit and a true taste of Yorkshire. It’s authentic and delicious and we absolutely love it!”