Taste the Gold: Celebrating Cheshire’s Great Taste Award Winners
Discover the local heroes whose exceptional food and drink have earned the industry’s highest accolades.
What are the Great Taste Awards? The “Oscars” of Food
The Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, are widely regarded as the “Oscars” of the food and drink world. They represent the largest and most trusted accreditation scheme for food and drink globally. The judging process is incredibly rigorous, ensuring that only truly exceptional products receive recognition. Over 500 industry experts, including renowned chefs, experienced buyers, influential food critics, and respected food writers, participate in blind-tasting sessions over 92 to 110 days. During this process, no branding or packaging is visible, guaranteeing that judgment is based purely on the product’s inherent taste and quality.
The awards employ a clear star rating system:
- 3-Star: This highest accolade is reserved for “extraordinarily tasty food and drink”. Fewer than 2% of all entries achieve this distinction, signifying a product so outstanding that judges would “seek it out and recommend it unreservedly”.
- 2-Star: Denotes a product that is “above and beyond delicious”. Less than 10% of entries typically receive this rating.
- 1-Star: Recognises food and drink that is “simply delicious”. Approximately 28% of entries fall into this category.
The Significance for Local Producers and Consumers
For Cheshire, these awards are more than just accolades; they are a beacon of quality, highlighting the exceptional talent and dedication within the local food community. They provide a trusted guide for consumers seeking out genuinely delicious products and help put Cheshire on the map as a county of culinary excellence.
As one producer articulated, “Being recognised with a Great Taste 1-star means so much to independent producers such as ourselves, as it makes all the hard work and determination worth it! Great Taste is the most recognised accolade for taste and quality in the food and drink industry, so it’s a huge moment for us!”.
Join us as we take a delicious tour through Cheshire, celebrating the local producers who have achieved this prestigious recognition.
A Culinary Tour of Cheshire’s Great Taste Champions
Cheshire’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, woven with passion, tradition, and an unwavering commitment to quality. This year, a remarkable array of local producers have been recognised by the prestigious Great Taste Awards, proving that our county is a true powerhouse of flavour. Let’s embark on a delicious journey to explore these award-winning gems.
Savoury Stars & Dairy Delights
Hill Farm Real Food (Tarporley): Beef Bone Broth & Cultured Ghee
This Tarporley-based farm, renowned for its nutrient-dense food from meticulously farmed soil, has earned significant recognition for both its Beef Bone Broth and Cultured Ghee. Hill Farm champions a holistic approach to food production, emphasising the use of the whole animal to create broths full of nutrition. Their Beef Bone Broth is crafted from good bones from healthy cattle, which are 100% grass-fed (certified ‘Pasture for Life’), organic, and raised without antibiotics. This commitment results in a clean source of collagen, amino acids and much more, with simple ingredients: beef bones, filtered water, organic apple cider vinegar, and Celtic salt.
Hill Farm’s Cultured Ghee is equally impressive, meticulously crafted from 100% organic, A2 milk sourced from their unique small herd of 100% grass-fed cows. This super-clarified butter is made in small batches in their Victorian farmhouse dairy, adhering to traditional methods that impart a subtle flavour with hints of “caramel, nuttiness, and of course butter,” and a characteristic slightly ‘grainy’ texture. Highly prized in Ayurvedic literature, it boasts a high smoke point, making it exceptionally versatile for all kinds of cooking. Hill Farm proudly states it is the “only Ghee on the market that meets all the above criteria”, reflecting their dedication to purity and quality.
Hill Farm Real Food operates as a family-run, regenerative organic farm, producing everything on-site. Their Pasture for Life certification and zero-antibiotic policy underscore their commitment to ethical and sustainable practice The cows are milked only once a day, a practice that reduces metabolic stress and contributes to the richness and nutrient density of their dairy products. This focus on ethical farming and health benefits extends beyond mere taste, appealing to a growing segment of consumers interested in “real food” and transparent production. The Great Taste Awards validate the flavour of these products, while the underlying farm philosophy adds significant value and appeal, positioning Hill Farm as a leader in the “real food movement”.
Delamere Dairy (Knutsford): Goats’ Butter, Medium Goats Cheese, & Semi-skimmed Goats’ Milk
Delamere Dairy, a Knutsford-based business, has been a long-standing champion of goat milk products since its establishment in 1985. In the Great Taste Awards 2025, they received multiple accolades for their diverse range.
Their Goats’ Butter earned a two-star score. Crafted from the cream of pasteurised goats’ milk, it is “slightly salted” and celebrated for its “distinct creamy taste and smooth texture” with a “slightly tangy flavour profile”. This butter is particularly ideal for individuals with cow’s milk allergies or intolerances, offering a delicious and digestible alternative.
The Medium Goats Cheese also received a two-star score , in addition to a Gold at the International Cheese Awards. This cheese is praised for its “distinctive tangy flavor” and a “firm yet creamy texture,” making it incredibly versatile for various culinary applications, from salads to sandwiches. It is a popular choice for those who are lactose intolerant or seeking a unique alternative to traditional cow’s milk cheese.
Their Semi-skimmed Goats’ Milk was awarded a two-star score. Goats’ milk is the most widely consumed milk globally, and Delamere Dairy highlights its natural nutritional benefits, which are comparable to cow’s milk in terms of calcium, vitamins, and minerals. It serves as a “naturally nutritious alternative” with a mild taste, easily used in place of cow’s milk in drinks, cereals, and recipes.
Delamere Dairy, founded by dairy farmers Liz & Roger Sutton and named after the local Delamere Forest , works with goat farms across the UK and distributes its products nationally and internationally. Their success with Great Taste Awards in goat’s milk products signifies a growing consumer demand for alternative dairy options, driven by health reasons or personal preference. This is not merely about a niche market; it reflects a significant shift in consumer dietary habits. The company’s longevity and extensive international reach demonstrate that catering to these evolving needs, combined with award-winning quality, leads to substantial business growth and market leadership within their specialty. This positions Cheshire at the forefront of diverse and inclusive food production.
The Estate Dairy (Cheshire): 10% Greek Style Yoghurt & Unsalted Cultured Butter
The Estate Dairy, established in 2016 and proudly B Corp Certified, is dedicated to premium dairy products with an “uncompromising focus on quality and consistency”. Their manufacturing facility is strategically located on the historic Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire. Both their 10% Greek Style Yoghurt and Unsalted Cultured Butter are recognised Great Taste Award winners.
Their 10% Greek Style Yoghurt is described as “highly concentrated,” with “no added sugar,” and “bursting with flavour”. This non-homogenised whole milk Greek style yoghurt is crafted from the freshest milk from a pedigree herd, undergoing a gentle pasteurisation process before being strained. This traditional method results in a “luxurious, dense yoghurt bursting with rich flavour”. It contains “no additives or stabilisers” and is cultured with lactobacillus, produced in small 1000-litre batches to maintain utmost quality.
The Unsalted Cultured Butter is churned in the heart of the Cheshire countryside on The Cholmondeley Estate. It is made with their “signature own crème fraiche,” utilising a “bespoke Lactobacillus culture”. The cream undergoes a meticulous ageing process for over 60 hours, with a 4-day culturing and ageing process that culminates in a “beautifully unique product”. It is widely considered “truly one of the richest tasting butters on the market”. This butter is available in traditional logs and also in custom-wrapped individual portions, catering to prestigious hotels and restaurants.
Founded by Shaun and Rebecca Young, The Estate Dairy sources milk and cream from partner farms in Somerset, with manufacturing operations firmly rooted in Cheshire. Their B Corp certification underscores a deep commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. They have pioneered the use of large-format glass containers in retail and refillable milk kegs for the food service sector, setting new benchmarks for sustainability within the industry. The integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability initiatives is central to their identity. This highlights a significant trend where consumers increasingly value both artisanal quality and environmental responsibility. The Estate Dairy effectively marries these principles, demonstrating that premium products can also be produced sustainably, appealing to a conscious consumer base and setting a new standard for dairy producers in Cheshire and beyond.
crafty bees (Warrington): Wildfire Hot Honey
crafty bees, based in Warrington, has earned a Great Taste Award for their innovative Wildfire Hot Honey. This unique condiment is crafted with “bee-friendly, organic wildflower honey” and a “blend of fresh chillies” , delivering a distinctive “HEAT!”.
The product’s appeal lies in its modern, trending nature as a condiment. The emphasis on “bee-friendly” and “organic wildflower honey” adds layers of ethical and environmental appeal, aligning with growing consumer preferences for responsibly sourced ingredients. The Great Taste Award validates the flavour of this innovative product, while its commitment to supporting bees and local ecosystems resonates with conscious consumers.
Sweet Sensations & Indulgent Treats
Krum Gelato (Chester): Pistachio Gelato
Chester’s Krum Gelato has achieved the highest possible accolade, a prestigious three-star Great Taste Award, for its signature Pistachio Gelato. This remarkable achievement places them among the exclusive top 1.9% of over 14,000 entries globally. Judges described it as “exquisite,” praising its “astonishing” flavour, “rich with pistachios and the taste of their roasted skin.” They further lauded its “indulgent, creamy and luxurious but clean” texture and “intense, true pistachio flavour”.9 One enthusiastic reviewer even declared it “probably the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted”.
The gelato distinguishes itself through its “unique texture” and the exclusive use of “specially selected Bronte pistachio nuts – Sicily’s most prized variety”. Krum Gelato, established in 2023, crafts fresh gelato daily using traditional Italian methods and natural ingredients, with dairy sourced locally from Peckforton Farm. Krum Gelato is conveniently located by The Cross in Chester’s historic city centre.
Owners Fabrizio Gobbato and Valentina Aviotti also own Augusto Pizzeria and previously Da Noi Chester, which was featured in the Michelin Guide, further cementing their reputation for authentic Italian cuisine in the North West. Krum’s success is not just about making good gelato; it is about mastering a specific, high-quality niche. Their deep specialisation in Bronte pistachio and unwavering commitment to authentic, premium ingredients allowed them to stand out in a highly competitive global field. This reinforces the idea that true quality and authenticity, even in a specific flavour, can achieve global recognition and draw visitors to Cheshire.
Snugburys Ice Cream (Nantwich): Chocolate Orange Sorbet
Snugburys, a renowned ice cream manufacturer based at Park Farm near Nantwich since 1986 , is celebrated for its award-winning ice cream. While the specific star rating for their Chocolate Orange Sorbet is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, Snugburys is consistently referred to as an “award winning ice cream” producer.
Snugburys produces over 35 flavours , using “delicious fresh cream, only the very best ingredients”. A key differentiator is their dedicated onsite kitchen, where they make many of their own ingredients, such as chocolate brownies for their ice cream.
Founded by Chris and Cheryl Sadler, the business is now successfully run by their daughters Hannah, Kitty, and Cleo. Their Nantwich farm shop is a significant draw, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually, and they have expanded their reach with a Chester location and a drive-thru service. Beyond their delicious products, Snugburys is also known for its large straw sculptures, which serve as unique attractions and help raise funds for charity. The company is also committed to sustainability, having invested in a heat capture system and solar panels for their dairy. Snugburys exemplifies how a traditional family business can thrive by continuously innovating its product range and enhancing the customer experience. Their overall business model demonstrates how a strong local brand builds a loyal following by creating a memorable destination and experience, not just a product.
Mobberley ice ltd (Mobberley): Mince Pie Ice Cream
Mobberley Ice Cream, based in Mobberley, achieved notable recognition with a 2-star Great Taste Award for its festive-flavoured Mince Pie Ice Cream. Judges enthusiastically described this unique creation as “Christmas in a Bowl”. This ice cream is meticulously handcrafted over three days, utilising “all-natural, non-artificial, and predominantly local components”. Their milk is sourced fresh daily from Davis Dairy, a local Cheshire farm, underscoring their commitment to local ingredients.
Mobberley Ice Cream began its journey in August 2020, initially operating from rented space within a local micro-dairy. Due to rapidly growing demand, they expanded significantly, opening their own dedicated ice cream shop with an in-house kitchen in April 2023. In March 2024, Sophie Fox took the helm and relaunched the establishment as the Coffee House@Mobberley Ice Cream Co, further expanding their offerings to include cakes, afternoon teas, sandwiches, and locally roasted coffee. The rapid growth of this relatively new business, coupled with the Great Taste Award for a seasonal and niche product, demonstrates the market’s appreciation for innovative, locally-sourced, and well-executed offerings. This highlights the creative dynamism within Cheshire’s food scene, showcasing how unique products can quickly gain significant recognition and consumer loyalty.
Clotton Creamery (Tarporley): Fresh Vanilla Custard
Clotton Creamery, nestled in the heart of Cheshire, is a producer of luxury dairy products, all made from the milk of their free-range cows. Their Fresh Vanilla Custard is described as “decadent and creamy,” crafted with “free range milk, British cream and Madagascan vanilla”. This versatile custard can be enjoyed either hot or cold with a variety of classic puddings.
The Cooke family, sixth-generation farmers at Clotton Hall Farm, established Clotton Creamery in 2017 with the specific aim of bringing high-quality clotted cream to the North of England. Their dairy is conveniently located on the farm, ensuring the freshest milk from their mixed herd, which includes Holstein Friesians, Jerseys, and Danish Reds. All their products are handmade in small batches, guaranteeing meticulous care and attention to detail. Clotton Creamery is notably one of the few clotted cream producers outside the traditional West Country region. Their expansion beyond their core clotted cream product into other dairy delights like custard, with continued award recognition, demonstrates their versatility and consistent commitment to high-quality, farm-to-table dairy production. This highlights the strength and adaptability of Cheshire’s dairy sector, showing how expertise in one area can successfully translate to others.
Mrs Darlington’s (Crewe): Orange and Ginger Marmalade
Mrs Darlington’s, a long-established Cheshire producer with roots tracing back to 1980 , boasts an award-winning Orange & Ginger Marmalade. This marmalade is celebrated for its harmonious “blend of tangy orange and the spice of ginger,” designed to “add a special zing to your breakfast”. Its key ingredients include Seville oranges and stem ginger.
The company’s story began when Marion Darlington started making lemon curd from a surplus of farm eggs in 1980, gradually expanding her range to include marmalades and chutneys. The business grew organically from local sales on an egg round to supplying garden centres and fine food wholesalers, eventually necessitating a relocation to a larger facility in Crewe in 1997. Remarkably, Marion, now 84, still personally oversees all recipe creation, ensuring the “fabulous homemade taste” that defines their products. The company offers an extensive range of over 85 traditional products. The sustained success and consistent award recognition for Mrs Darlington’s products over decades underscore the enduring appeal of traditional, homemade-style preserves. This demonstrates how a strong foundation in cherished family recipes and an unwavering commitment to quality can lead to long-term brand loyalty and widespread distribution, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Cheshire and the value of passing down artisanal skills through generations.
Benona Chocolates (Stockport): Salted Caramel, Hazelnut & Pecan
Benona Chocolates, a high-end chocolate brand founded by husband and wife Ben and Fiona in Stockport in 2021 , has quickly established itself as an award-winning producer. While the query specifically lists “Salted Caramel, Hazelnut & Pecan,” the provided information highlights their impressive array of Great Taste Awards: a 3-star for their raspberry chocolate bonbon in 2024, a 2-star for their banoffee bonbon, and 1-star awards for their hazelnut praline and amaretto cherry bonbons. Their “Maple Pecan” is also listed as a flavour, suggesting the listed product is likely a combination of these highly-regarded elements.
Benona’s bonbons are renowned for being “meticulously crafted,” combining “fresh, high-quality ingredients with distinctive flavour profiles”. Reviewers have praised the delicate balance of flavours, noting how the raspberry bonbon was “exactly like biting into a fresh chilled raspberry” and the banoffee offered a “delicate and creamy” taste.
The company’s origins are charmingly personal: Ben was inspired to make their wedding favours for their September 2021 wedding, which ignited his passion for chocolate making, with Fiona serving as the dedicated taste tester. Benona Chocolates’ rapid ascent to multi-award-winning status within just a few years of establishment highlights the significant impact of artisanal craftsmanship and innovative flavour combinations in the premium chocolate market. Their success demonstrates that even new entrants, with a clear focus on high quality and unique offerings, can quickly gain substantial recognition and consumer trust, showcasing the dynamic and evolving food scene in Cheshire.
Sunrise Patisserie (Altrincham): Portuguese Tarts
Sunrise Patisserie, based in Altrincham, offers “handmade & authentic pastéis de nata” (Portuguese tarts). These tarts are celebrated for being “100% authentic,” “hand-made in Lisbon & finished here in the UK”. Customer testimonials consistently praise them, noting they are “on another level” compared to supermarket alternatives. Available as substantial 85g tarts, they also offer vegan options, catering to diverse dietary needs.
Founder Dan initiated the business after encountering difficulty finding truly authentic Portuguese natas in the UK. This led him to establish a partnership with a bakery in Portugal, enabling him to import “pallets of Nata’s to the UK every month”. Their core mission is to “share the delight of authentic pastel de nata by crafting each pastry with tradition, quality, and passion”. Sunrise Patisserie has developed a growing wholesale network across the North West and actively participates in various food festivals and makers markets, bringing their authentic treats directly to consumers. This model, where local businesses bring internationally renowned, authentic products to the UK market and make them accessible to local consumers, is a successful strategy. The Great Taste Award for their Portuguese tarts validates the quality of this cross-cultural culinary venture, highlighting Cheshire’s role in making diverse global tastes accessible and celebrated within the region.
Exceptional Brews & Blends
RedWillow Brewery (Macclesfield): Breakfast Stout
RedWillow Brewery, based in Macclesfield since 2010, has built a strong reputation for its “full flavoured beers” and unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. While the query specifically lists “Breakfast Stout” as a Great Taste Award winner, the brewery’s broader success is well-documented. Their New England IPA “Perceptionless” notably received a 3-star Great Taste Award in 2024, while “Divisionless” earned a 2-star. Additionally, “Weightless” and “Shameless” were recognised with 1-star awards. This impressive array of accolades across different styles clearly indicates the brewery’s consistent excellence throughout its diverse range.
The Breakfast Stout itself is described as a “dangerously drinkable Vietnamese coffee stout”. It begins with an “assertive roasty bitterness” from the dark malts, which quickly transitions into a “smooth rich dark chocolate and hazelnut finish”. Notably, this stout is also vegan.
Founded by Toby and Caroline McKenzie, Red Willow benefits significantly from Caroline’s background as a Research Scientist at AstraZeneca, which instils a “meticulous approach to experimentation and problem-solving” in their brewing process. The brewery produces a wide spectrum of beers, from hoppy pale ales to robust stouts, consistently focusing on creating balanced, sessionable and flavourful beers. They offer convenient local direct delivery and nationwide courier services, making their award-winning brews accessible across the UK. The brewery’s ability to secure awards across such diverse beer styles, from IPAs to lagers and stouts, showcases their broad brewing expertise and unwavering commitment to quality across their entire portfolio. This suggests a sophisticated understanding of different flavour profiles and brewing techniques, undoubtedly influenced by the co-founder’s scientific background. The awards confirm that their experimental approach yields exceptional results, cementing their position as a key player in the regional craft beer scene.
The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters Ltd (Malpas): Bloomsbury Espresso Blend & Ethiopia Haru
The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters, located in Malpas, is an award-winning specialty coffee roastery deeply committed to ethically sourcing and meticulously roasting high-quality beans in small batches.
Their Bloomsbury Espresso Blend has been consistently recognised, receiving a two-star Great Taste Award in both 2021 and 2022. This blend is expertly designed to produce a “wonderfully smooth coffee,” exhibiting “luxurious nutty chocolate flavours with just hints of citrus fruits and honey” that “lift the cup, before rounding to a delicious lingering aftertaste”. It thoughtfully combines naturally processed Brazilian Mundo Novo beans with washed Typica beans from Mexico.
The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters has received multiple 3-star Great Taste Awards in 2023 and 2024, alongside 2-star awards in the same years. This indicates consistent overall high quality and recognition for their single-origin offerings.
Their Ethiopia Haru single-origin coffee is part of The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters’ award-winning selection, with the roastery having received multiple 3-star Great Taste Awards in 2023 and 2024, alongside 2-star awards in this years’. Ethiopia Haru is available as whole beans or ground for various brewing methods , and is sourced from a region with advanced processing facilities that ensure traceability.
Adding to their impressive portfolio is the Brazil Bom Jesus Barrel-Aged Coffee. This unique offering is the result of a collaboration with Thomond Gate Whiskey, where green coffee beans from the Fazenda Bom Jesus farm in Brazil were aged for six months in matured French oak whiskey barrels that had previously housed port. The chosen Brazil Bom Jesus beans, with their natural notes of chocolate, walnuts, and maple syrup, perfectly complement the whiskey notes without being overpowered. The farm itself is Rainforest Alliance and UTZ certified, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development and community involvement. This barrel-aged coffee is part of their award-winning range.
The roastery itself is named after a historic barn destroyed in an 1839 storm, grounding their modern craft in local history. The team brings decades of invaluable experience from the food and drink industry in both London and Melbourne. They actively champion local, seasonal, and sustainable practices, fostering a vibrant community space that extends beyond just coffee. The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters’ success demonstrates that a strong commitment to ethical sourcing and meticulous small-batch roasting, combined with a focus on community and sustainability, can yield globally recognised coffee. Their ability to win awards for both blends and single-origin coffees highlights their comprehensive expertise in the art of coffee. This also indicates a growing consumer preference for brands with transparent and ethical supply chains, and those that contribute positively to their local community. The awards confirm their product excellence, but their broader ethos creates a deeper connection with consumers who care about more than just taste, positioning Cheshire as a hub for businesses that integrate social and environmental responsibility with high-quality production.
Bio&Me (Chester): Vanilla Kefir Drink
Bio&Me, co-founded in 2019 by Dr. Megan Rossi (PhD, RD), aims to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and the food industry, providing genuinely “gut-loving” products. Their Vanilla Kefir Drink is consistently praised by customers as “delicious,” “not too sweet, not too sour,” and notably free from “rubbish”. It is a fermented milk drink flavoured with vanilla bean.
While a specific Great Taste Award star rating for the Vanilla Kefir Drink is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, Bio&Me’s “Kefir Natural” did win a 2-star Great Taste Award in 2023, with judges commending it by saying, “It makes you feel healthy already! One to look for, for sure!”. This clearly indicates the high quality and award-winning nature of their kefir range. The Vanilla Kefir Yoghurt is widely available at major supermarkets and is formulated with 18 different culture strains, including two of the world’s most studied types: Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) and Bifidobacterium (BB-12®). It is designed to support immunity, is high in fibre and protein, and contains no added sugar.
Dr. Megan Rossi, widely known as “The Gut Health Doctor,” co-founded Bio&Me with the explicit goal of providing credibly delicious options that she could confidently recommend to her clients. Their product range has rapidly expanded to include prebiotic, gut-loving granolas, mueslis, porridges, and live kefir yoghurts, all free from added sugar and emulsifiers. This rapid market penetration has made them the “fastest-growing cereal in the UK”. Bio&Me’s swift market success and Great Taste recognition highlight a strong consumer demand for scientifically-backed, health-focused food products that also deliver on taste. Their ability to translate complex gut health benefits into accessible and delicious offerings has allowed them to quickly become a major player in the wellness food sector, showcasing Cheshire’s significant contribution to innovative, health-conscious food production.
The Hale Herbalist (Altrincham): No.1 INHALE Blend
The Hale Herbalist, an “Organic Herbal Infusion & Tea Blend start-up” based in Altrincham, has made a significant impact, receiving two Great Taste Awards in 2025. Their No.1 INHALE Blend, in particular, was awarded a two-star Great Taste Award.
Judges were effusive in their praise for the No.1 INHALE Blend, describing it as “Truly soothing and comforting, with a delightful and novel interplay of flavours.” They highlighted its “impressive complexity and clarity of flavour, with balanced herbs and spice toeing the line between sweet and savoury.” The blend was noted for evoking a sense of “wellness and luxury – like being in an expensive spa”. This immune-boosting blend is a carefully crafted combination of “sweet and spicy flavors of organic ginger and liquorice root,” “refreshing touches of peppermint and lemon balm,” and the aromatic scents of “rosemary and thyme,” further enhanced with hints of “elderberry and elderflower”.
The founder, Louise Kitchin, a former barrister with nearly three decades of experience, embarked on her journey to create The Hale Herbalist after discovering a “calmer, more connected way of living” through herbal infusion workshops. The business is dedicated to creating “organic, nourishing products that support wellbeing from the inside out”. All products are “hand-blended, hand-crafted,” and committed to being organic, ethically sourced, and 100% natural. The Hale Herbalist’s success with a wellness-focused herbal blend winning a Great Taste Award highlights a significant consumer shift towards functional foods and beverages. The award validates the taste of a product primarily chosen for its health benefits, demonstrating that wellness products can be both effective and delicious, appealing to a broad market that prioritises holistic well-being. This positions Cheshire as a leader in crafting high-quality, natural products that cater to a growing demand for holistic wellness.
Beyond the Stars: Why Support Local?
The Great Taste Awards are not just a badge; they are a testament to unparalleled quality. The rigorous blind-tasting process, involving hundreds of experts, ensures that every winning product truly stands out on its own merits, free from any branding bias. When consumers see that distinctive black and gold sticker, they can be confident they are choosing something truly exceptional.
Choosing products from Cheshire’s Great Taste Award winners means more than just enjoying delicious food and drink. It represents a multifaceted value proposition that extends beyond the plate. Firstly, it means directly investing in the local economy, helping these businesses thrive, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the community’s prosperity. This direct support fosters a virtuous cycle where local success reinforces local well-being.
Secondly, supporting these producers means nurturing craftsmanship. It champions the dedication, skill, and passion of artisans who pour their heart into every batch, every brew, and every scoop. Many of these award-winning enterprises are family-run businesses with deep roots in Cheshire, such as Snugburys , Clotton Creamery , Mrs Darlington’s , and Hill Farm. Their commitment to traditional methods and quality ingredients is often a legacy passed down through generations.
Thirdly, local support ensures quality and traceability. Producers with shorter supply chains often have greater control over their ingredients and production methods. This is evident in Hill Farm’s grass-fed ethos and Krum Gelato’s meticulous sourcing of specific Bronte pistachios. This transparency provides consumers with confidence in the purity and origin of their food.
Finally, choosing local helps preserve Cheshire’s unique culinary heritage. These businesses often embody and perpetuate the distinctive flavours and traditions of the region, keeping our gastronomic identity vibrant and alive for future generations. The Great Taste Award acts as a powerful enabler for these “local premium” brands to justify their price point and attract discerning consumers, fostering a virtuous cycle of quality and community support within Cheshire. This indicates that consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products that not only taste good but also align with their values regarding localism, sustainability, and ethical production.
Consumers are encouraged to seek out these award-winning products. Visiting the farm shops, local delis, or checking their websites is a great start. Many producers also offer direct sales or can be found at local markets and festivals, such as Krum Gelato at Deva Fest. Experiencing firsthand the pride and passion that goes into every bite and sip of these Cheshire-made delights is a rewarding journey.
Your Next Cheshire Food Adventure Awaits!
Cheshire truly shines as a county of exceptional food and drink. The Great Taste Awards serve as a fantastic benchmark for quality, but the real magic lies in the stories, passion, and dedication of the people behind these incredible products. From rich stouts to exquisite gelato, tangy marmalades to nourishing broths, and innovative hot honey to authentic Portuguese tarts, Cheshire offers a diverse and unparalleled taste experience.
Keep an eye on Taste Cheshire for more local food news, events, and discoveries will ensure there is always something new and delicious to uncover.