Announcing The Great British Food Awards’ Grand British Champion 2021

Hundreds of producers entered their products for this year’s awards, but there was only ever going to be one Grand British Champion – read on to find out who!

Every year, hundreds of producers enter our awards. Once our celebrity judges have selected the winner in each category, they are sent to John Gill, Head of Marketing and Trading at Booths, the ethical grocer and this year’s sponsor. John has the honour of tasting every product and selecting just one as the Grand Champion.

“It’s been a real privilege to be involved in the judging process for this year’s Great British Food Awards, an experience made even more special by being asked to judge the Grand Champion Award,” John said.

“The awards attract the very best produce and it was clear that each of the category winners were in the final through being the best in class. The Grand Champion category brings together an eclectic mix of great quality food and drink, making the judging process both tricky and an absolute pleasure.”

However, John managed to choose a winner…CRAIC Foods’ Pickled Gooseberries in Apple and Elderflower Vinegar!

“We are beyond thrilled to win this award; having had our produce tasted by such a well-respected panel of food professionals & then to be judged the supreme champion is a tremendous endorsement for a small artisan food business like ours,” said Paul Clarke, Managing Director of CRAIC Foods. “I know the quality of the entries for the Great British Food Awards is always so high, making these awards some of the most coveted in the industry so for CRAIC Foods to now hold the title of 2021 Grand British Champion is an absolute honour.”

John’s feedback in full:

“Craic Pickled Gooseberries are a taste sensation. The fruit is plump, picked at perfect ripeness. It’s steeped and pickled in Bramley apple vinegar, honey, apple juice and elderflower with a sprinkle of sugar. The result is a perfectly balanced, great tasting product. The sharpness of the gooseberry is evident but beautifully complimented by the sweetness and complexity of the pickle. A wonderful addition to any cheeseboard or accompaniment to quality cooked meat; the gooseberries added an extra dimension on the side of roast pork dinner too. Craic pickled gooseberries will definitely impress guests at the dinner table.”