Great Taste awards celebrate Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s finest food and drink

The Guild of Fine Food has announced the winners of the Great Taste 2024 awards, highlighting the best food and drink from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. A total of 106 awards were given to the region, including 86 1-star, 19 2-stars, and one prestigious 3-star award.

Among the top winners were Crane Events, Acorns Coffee and Cake, and Tipsy Wight.

Crane Events secured the only 3-star award for their Pear, Fennel and Tarragon Filled Chocolate Bon Bon. Acorns Coffee and Cake received a 2-star award for their Acorns Coffee Single Origin Series – El Salvador Diamante, while Tipsy Wight was honoured with a 1-star award for their Wild Plum Vodka Liqueur.

Nearly 3,500 companies from 115 countries participated in this year’s Great Taste awards, submitting a total of 13,672 products. Of these, the UK entered 8,008 products from 2,528 companies. The rigorous judging process involved over 500 food experts who blind-tasted the entries over 92 days, providing detailed feedback for all submissions.

The top 1.9 per cent of entries globally received the coveted 3-star award, while 10.1 per cent earned 2-stars, and 28.8 per cent were awarded 1-star. The best of the 3-star winners will compete for the prestigious Golden Fork award, with the winners to be announced on 10 September at Battersea Arts Centre in London.

John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, said: “It’s hugely important to us at the Guild to inject some positivity into the speciality food and drink industry.

“Given the economic headwinds that both independent retailers and small and medium producers are facing, the announcement of the 2024 crop of Great Taste stars is now an annual fillip for us all.

“And it’s not just excellence from the UK, but from across the world, as we celebrate the best from 115 countries.

“We’re doing our bit for cultural relations across the planet when there is so much legislation trying to prevent it. It’s a real privilege to support and underpin independent makers through the process of Great Taste.”

The Great Taste awards are recognised worldwide as a mark of excellence, sought after by producers and food lovers alike. For a full list of this year’s winners and where to buy them, visit www.gff.co.uk/directory.