Across 89 judging days in Dorset and London, a group of more than 500 judges conducted comprehensive blind taste tests on 14,195 entries submitted from a staggering 109 countries. Irish products won an impressive 526 awards comprised of: 389 x 1-stars, 120 x 2-stars, and 17 x 3-stars. Some of the stars of the Irish show include:
- Great Taste 3-star – Macroom Buffalo Ricotta from Macroom Buffalo Cheese Products (only 1.8% of entries received a 3-star).
- Great Taste 2-star – Waldron Family Handmade Black Pudding from Waldron Meats (only 11% of entries received a 2-star).
- Great Taste 1-star – Bart's Blended Irish Whiskey by Lough Ree Distillery (only 28.8% of entries received a 1-star).
John Farrand, managing director at the Guild of Fine Food has congratulated the Irish producers who were honoured for ‘their outstanding food and drink’. “Every year, we welcome new and established producers making fantastic products around the world and this year has been no exception. The breadth and quality of food and drink has been outstanding, and we wish everyone who entered huge success and hope they find the feedback from our expert judging panel beneficial as they continue in their onward journey.”
The distinguished judging panel consisting of over 500 food and drink experts, included chefs, critics, recipe developers, buyers, journalists, retailers, broadcasters, and reputable industry professionals.
All 3-star winning products were tasted and judged again by the knowledgeable judging panel to crown the Golden Fork trophy winners and the 2023 Supreme Champion – the highest accolade of all. The Golden Fork ceremony celebrates the best of the best from producers around the world, awarding them with a Golden Fork trophy at the Great Taste Golden Fork Ceremony on Monday, September 11.