Beckleberry's Blackcurrant sorbet wins Supreme Champion accolade

When the judges, which included Alex James, Glynn Christian, Mark Hix, Tom Parker-Bowles, Fiona Sims and Charles Campion met at The Guild of Fine Food’s headquarters in Dorset to decide this year’s Supreme Champion, the debate certainly got heated. It was a tough decision for all to agree on whether the award should go to Beckleberry’s sorbet or a ‘Muddee’ by More? The Artisan Bakery. Beckleberry’s won by just a half a point. But coupled together, the two make an excellent dessert combination.

Beckleberry’s is a family company based in Tyne & Wear in the North East of England producing high quality, hand made patisserie, fresh cream ice creams and real fruit sorbets using traditional recipes and methods. Father and son team Peter and Ian Craig have put fruit sorbets on the menu in hotels and restaurants across the North of England. Beckleberry’s actually scooped 3 prestigious awards last night: Best English Specialty, Best Specialty from the North East and when presented with the Supreme Champion award, Ian commented, ‘My Dad is only crying because he knows he has to build a shelf now we have won 3 awards!’

Bob Farrand, National Director of the Guild of Fine Food who organise the Great Taste Awards which are this year celebrating their 15th anniversary, commented, ‘Each year, the Great Taste Awards prove the best foods are rarely overcomplicated. Last year’s winner redefined the pork pie and this year, a simple but very special sorbet made from superb ingredients delivered a balance and intensity of flavour that stunned every judge. A worthy winner.’

4,755 products entered the Great Taste Awards this year, the vast majority of gold award winners were from smaller producers who source local ingredients and manufacture in small batches, generally by hand. A total of 1,124 products were awarded gold, most receiving a one-star grading for their general excellence in taste, texture and flavour. 220 were given two stars and just 72 out of the 4753 entries were awarded the coveted three gold stars – a mark that the expert judges considered them faultless. Of the three star gold awards 18 major trophy winners were decided by the Supreme Judging panel.

Other judges on the Supreme Panel included the great & good of the food industry: Trading Director for Fortnum & Mason Simon Burdess and BBC Radio 2’s Nigel Barden who chaired the panel. The Supreme Champion and the other major trophy winners were announced to an audience of illustrious foodies and food producers at a glittering awards ceremony at the Royal Garden Hotel, 8th September 2008.