The Guild of Fine Food releases details on the highest rated food and drink from the world’s most trusted awards scheme
Last night (Tuesday 9 September), at Battersea Arts Centre in London, the Guild of Fine Food hosted their annual Golden Forks award ceremony. Bringing together some of the best food and drink producers in the world, as well as key figures from across the industry, it was a true celebration of flavour and artisanal talent.
The most delicious product from Scotland has been confirmed as Hot Smoked Mackerel Fillets from East Neuk Kilnhouse. The hot smoked mackerel fillets, which also won the Supreme Champion award, were shortlisted from 14,340 entrants, 5,680 of which achieved a 1-, 2-, or 3-star Great Taste award.
As Supreme Champion, East Neuk Kilnhouse’s Hot Smoked Mackerel Fillets were the highest-scoring product in the whole of Great Taste 2025.
Other contenders for the highly coveted Golden Fork from Scotland were Dark Chocolate with Black Cherry from Ocelot Craft Chocolate and Single Glen Scottish Heather Honey from Wainwright’s Bee Farm.
The judges felt that East Neuk Kilnhouse’s Hot Smoked Mackerel Fillets really stood out because of the wonderful balance of oil, smoke and salt, all of which were subtle enough to allow the flavour of the fish to really shine through. They felt there was the perfect amount of smokiness – distinct but not overpowering. They commented on the skill displayed in the processing of the fish, which left it delicate yet full of flavour, super-rich in a pleasant way and very moreish. The texture really caught their attention: ‘meaty and robust’ yet moist and flaky, and not at all fatty. They said it was delightful to look at, plump with a lovely outer layer and beautiful strong colour. The aroma was mouthwatering and evoked memories of an open fire.
Colin Reekie, owner of East Neuk Kilnhouse comments: “This has been a brilliant year for us, with three 2-star and two 3-star awards for our products, but to have reached this level with our hot smoked mackerel fillets is absolute magic. We’re a very small company, we work hard, we’re very hands on and we take a huge amount of pride in what we do. For that hard work to culminate even in a nomination at this stage is just great, for a company of our size it feels like we’re punching above our weight, but the consistency of our success speaks for itself”.
Also from Scotland, Dark Chocolate with Black Cherry from Ocelot Craft Chocolate received the Nigel Barden Heritage Award on the night.
Ishbel Broadbent, creative director and founder of Ocelot Chocolate comments: “Great Taste is the industry leader for recognition and trust on good flavour and quality, so it made sense for us to enter the awards. We wanted to show that under our beautiful packaging, there is top notch chocolate just waiting to be discovered. As a small company, each of us wears many different hats, and we all put a lot of love and hard work into our products – from flavour development to the sourcing of our ingredients.
“To have this hard work acknowledged is something really special. Like any company, we have had our ups and downs over the past 14 years, but we have never reneged on quality or taste, so to have reached this level of recognition is lovely. In a time of constant market and economic uncertainty and struggle, this nomination has been a great boost for all of us. It has reminded us why we do what we do – it has reminded us of all the good things – our lovely loyal customers, the joy of creating great flavours, and the fact that we are able to bring a lot of people happiness through something both ethical and delicious. It makes all the hard bits worthwhile.”
There were 16 Golden Forks announced at the ceremony including the Great Taste 2025 Supreme Champion.
John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, comments: “Unleashing the results in Great Taste is always a moment of encouragement and cheer and each year I am consistently surprised by the innovation, craft skill and commitment to sourcing worthy ingredients that our Golden Fork producers demonstrate. There’s food & drink diversity too with everything from roast turkey to cherry vinegar achieving awards.
“Great Taste is a unique judging mechanism and there’s something very special about levelling the playing field for the smallest producers, allowing them a platform to shine amongst bigger players. In our chaotic world it was, once again, satisfying to bring some community and harmony by accepting entries from over 100 countries. We are committed to finding the best from across the planet, although I do feel a sense of somewhat biased pride to see the Supreme Champion accolade go to a truly outstanding product made here in the British Isles. Huge congratulations to East Neuk Kilnhouse, and to any producer achieving 1, 2 or 3-star status.”
What is Great Taste?
Great Taste is recognised as the most influential food and drink accreditation scheme in the world, not only because it was established over 30 years ago, but also for the robustness of its multi-layered review process. The judging panel of over 500 industry experts, including chefs, critics, food technologists, retailers, food writers and other specialists, pored over each product over the course of 110 days.
Every entry is judged on its own merit as a standalone product and tasted completely blind. There is no packaging, or hint of who has made it, just a factual description provided by the producer as guidance. The judges consider flavour first and foremost, followed by appearance, aroma, texture and mouthfeel before it is determined whether the product warrants one of the famous black and gold seals of approval.
In total 39.6% (5,680) of entries received an accolade in 2025. There were 3,899 1-star awards, 1,508 2-stars and only 273 products (1.9% of all entrants) received the coveted Great Taste 2025 3-star award.
The Great Taste 2025 Golden Forks results are as follows:
· Golden Fork from England: The Norfolk PX from The English Whisky Co. (www.englishwhisky.co.uk)
· Golden Fork from Scotland: Hot Smoked Mackerel Fillets from East Neuk Kilnhouse (www.enkilnhouse.com)
· Golden Fork from Wales: Blackcurrant and Cassis Sorbet from Mario’s Luxury Dairy Ice Cream (www.mariosicecream.com)
· Golden Fork from Northern Ireland: Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin from Basalt Distillery (www.basalt-distillery.com)
· Golden Fork from Ireland: 25% Sour Cream from Green Pastures Donegal(www.greenpasturesdonegal.com)
· Golden Fork from Spain: Anchovy Fillets in Olive Oil “La Castreña” from Conservera Castreña (www.lacastrena.co)
· Golden Fork from Greece: Grevena Greek Honey – Oak from Konstantinos Ntounas
· Golden Fork from Italy: RePavo – Tacchino in Porchetta from Bacalini (www.bacalini.it) Golden Fork from the Rest of Europe: Maraška (Black cherry vinegar) from OPG Matulić (www.opgmatulic.com)
· Golden Fork from the Rest of World: Organic White Miso Paste from Miso Tasty (www.misotasty.com)
· Golden Fork for Outstanding Bursary Winner: ‘Nduja from The Curly Pigs (thecurlypigs.com)
· Golden Fork for Sustainability: Fordhall Farm (www.fordhallfarm.com)
· Golden Fork for Better Business: The Somerset Cider Brandy Company (www.somersetciderbrandy.com)
· Nigel Barden Heritage Award: Dark Chocolate with Black Cherry from Ocelot Craft Chocolate (www.ocelotchocolate.com)
· Guild of Fine Food Contribution to Food & Drink: Maria Whitehead MBE, Hawkshead Relish Company
· Great Taste 2025 Supreme Champion: Hot Smoked Mackerel Fillets from East Neuk Kilnhouse (www.enkilnhouse.com)
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