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 Guild had to work out how to socially distance the judges along with all other COVID safe requirements for handling food and drink. But they got there, and the Guild announced the winners in September. 

We have a winner

Amongst the Melted Inside community of artisan makers, we are very happy to celebrate with some first time winners.  We asked one of them, Charu the founder of Biscottilicious to tell us more. 

Your first Great Taste award: how does that feel?

It feels amazing. I have never in my entire life won an award, and to win this, it feels priceless. When you are a single-handed start-up artisan producer, you go through so many ups and downs, and it can be very lonely. Winning this gives me a bigger conviction to go ahead, all guns blazing.

What made you decide to enter the awards this year?

I wanted to enter because I believed in my product, and I believed that it should get the recognition that it deserved.

What are you hoping it might mean for your business?

I am hoping it will give me the platform to stand tall with all the other big brands. Being a small company, you don’t have the capital to have a big PR or marketing campaign. This gives us the ability to be recognised and to be a brand with credibility.

Every entry to make it to the judges days gets written feedback from them. What stood out for you in your feedback?

The judges loved the pistachio nibs on the Wild Forest biscotti, as well as the hint of cardamom.

How many products did you enter, and what do you think makes Wild Forest stand out as something special?

I only entered Wild Forest. I think because it’s more than “just” a biscotti, it’s a delectable treat, particularly with all the indulgent white chocolate it’s enrobed in. It looks like a treat before you even bite into it. I think that’s why people give them as gifts or have used them as a more unusual wedding favour.

Find Wild Forest and the other unique flavours on the Biscottilicious stall.