Oct 2020, Written by Helen Tarver

Winning a star or three at the Great Taste Awards from the Guild of Fine Food is a high point for many artisan makers. These awards are the world’s largest, and most trusted, food and drink awards, now into their 26^th year. Judged by over 500 industry experts, the only thing that counts is how the product tastes.  No one sees the packaging or knows what brand it is they’re trying. From the initial entries, only 10,000 make it through to the final judging days.

This year the judges did the big job under social distancing along with all other COVID safe requirements. The results were announced in September. One of the brands on Melted Inside, Noshy its Gustav energy truffle won the Great Taste One Star Award. Founder Stefanie Siraghi shared with us what winning the first Great Taste Award meant to her.  

Congratulations on your first Great Taste award. How does it feel?

Incredible! We’re a young business and only launched to customers a couple of months ago, back at the start of the summer. Winning this recognition at the start of our journey is an honour and a great affirmation for something we love so much, our NOSHY.

What made you decide to enter the awards this year?

Great Taste is such an exciting opportunity for anyone with a love for food. It’s a mark I’ve always looked out for when choosing a new brand or product I haven’t tried before. NOSHY is something that we need people to try because when they do, they fall in love. So, for us, this is a dream come true.

What are you hoping it might mean for your business?

Taste is a hugely subjective thing, so it really helps to have a standard to measure your work. For us, this is the equivalent of a Michelin star for NOSHY. 

It helps to have the feedback from the judges agree with what we’re hearing from our customers. To some degree, it also gives us the platform from which to push NOSHY even further.   

What stood out for you in your judges’ feedback?

We were delighted that the judges recognised the essence of what we offer with NOSHY: decadent indulgence, packed with nutritious benefits. We absolutely loved how impressed they were with NOSHY’s signature — our artisans robe each individual truffle in edible petals. They felt it was a welcome break from the standard energy balls – we agree!

What do you think makes the Gustav stand out as something special?

We think it’s no coincidence that our GUSTAV, the Midnight Prince, helped us win our first award! If you’re a fan of hazelnuts and dark chocolate you’d probably agree! And now we’re keen to see who will join him next! All our truffles represent a unique flavour and, importantly, celebrate individuality, which is a big part of our ethos.   

You’ll find Gustav in the Connoisseur’s box on the NOSHY stall, along with some fascinating companions including Frida and Yves. Find out more here.

_____

If you know a Great Taste Award winner in your area who’s not part of our community, then why not nominate them today to join us? After all, award-winning and recommended by a customer has to be the best kind of recommendation going. We’d love to hear from you.