Yorica UK Ltd scooped the British Frozen Food Federation’s (BFFF) Retail Product of the Year award for its double chocolate cookie frozen dessert, which is free from 14 allergens. Paramount 21 Ltd took home the Foodservice Product of the Year prize for its headed and gutted coated whitebait, which is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified. Michael Simpson-Jones of Waitrose (above left in the photo) was pleased to receive the prize on behalf of Yorica UK. Seen at his side is Jonathan Baker of Lineage Logistics, sponsor of the event.
The BFFF’s annual product awards competition showcased the finest innovations and excellence across the frozen category, culminating in an awards presentation ceremony held a gala dinner dance evening at the Park Lane London Hilton on June 13.
The Federation received entries from throughout the nation, with the overall winners being selected from both retail and foodservice categories, including Best New Ethnic or World Cuisine Product, Best New Bakery Product, Best New Starter Product, as well as special awards for innovation.
The retail awards are unique in that the winners are determined by panels of independent consumers from across the United Kingdom who mark the products for appearance, taste, innovation, packaging, preparation instructions, likelihood of purchase and value for money.
The winners in all retail categories received high praise from the judges, with Aldi’s mince pie and brandy butter ice cream – which picked up the Gold Award for Best New Ice Cream – described as “perfection” and “a must-have for Christmas.”
Strong Roots Food Company made such an impact with its broccoli and purple carrot bites that it was honored with the Special Award for Innovation within retail, with one judge remarking: “Loved everything about this product.”
Meanwhile in the foodservice competition, the Gold Award for Best New Ingredient, Component, Accompaniment Product went to Patchwork Foods Ltd for its bacon jam. The same product also picked up the Special Award for Innovation. Praised for its “unique flavor” and “strong, balanced bacon taste,” the judges were impressed by its versatility as a savory accompaniment.
The foodservice awards are well respected throughout the catering industry as all entries are impartially judged by representatives of the Craft Guild of Chefs, who, as executive chefs, catering managers and recipe developers, are expert in their field and uncompromising in their assessments of the entries.
“I am incredibly proud of the hard work and creativity demonstrated by all the entrants and our team,” said BFFF Chief Executive Richard Harrow. “The impressive innovation happening across frozen is incredibly encouraging, especially considering the important role the sector has to play as we look towards a future of increased value for the consumer and decreased food waste for us all.
“Our Product Awards are testimony to the dynamism and development within the frozen category. Standards were exceptionally high, showcasing the very best in new product development and innovation. I’ve been really encouraged by the number of businesses and brands putting their products forward, which speaks volumes about the confidence they have in their offerings, as well as the future of frozen.
Complete lists of retail and foodservice winners follow:
RETAIL CATEGORY
• Product of the Year Double Chocolate Cookie 14 Allergen Free Frozen Dessert by Yorica UK Ltd.
• Best New Poultry-Based Product Specially Selected Chicken, Bacon & Monterey Jack Cheese Parcel by Aldi Stores Ltd
• Best New Fish-Based Product 100% Cod Chuck Fillets by Whitby Seafoods Ltd
• Best New Free From, Meat Free, Vegetable-Based Product Double Chocolate Cookie 14 Allergen Free Frozen Dessert by Yorica UK Ltd.
• Best New Meat Product Luxury Argentinian Sirloin Steak by Iceland Foods Ltd
• Best New Party Food, Starter Product Let’s Party Oriental Vegetable Selection by Aldi Stores Ltd
• Best New Dessert or Confectionery Product Asda Apple and Walnut Cake by Coppenrath and Wiese (UK) Ltd
• Best New Ice Cream Product
Specially Selected Christmas Ice Cream – Mince Pie & Brandy Butter by Aldi Stores Ltd
• Best New Ethnic or World Cuisine Product
Carlos Rocket & Grand Padano Flatbread by Aldi Stores Ltd & Freiberger UK Ltd
• Best New Ingredient, Component, Accompaniment Product
Luxury Pork, Cranberry and Orange Stuffing Parcels by Iceland Foods Ltd
• Special Award for Innovation
Broccoli and Purple Carrot Bites by Strong Roots Food Company Ltd
FOODSERVICE CATEGORY
• Foodservice Product of the Year MSC Coated Whitebait – Headed and Gutted by Paramount 21 Ltd
• Best New Starter Product Mac Cheese Bites by KK Fine Foods Ltd
• Best New Free From, Meat Free, Vegetable-Based Product Beetroot, Red Pepper and Quinoa Burger by Brakes
• Best New Meat Product Homestyle Salt & Pepper Shredded Chicken by Meadow Vale Foods
• Best Ethnic or World Cuisine Product
Giraffe World Kitchen Lamb, Apricot & Chickpea Tagine by KK Fine Foods Ltd
• Best New Fish Product MSC Coated Whitebait – Headed and Gutted by Paramount 21 Ltd
• Best New Bakery Product Premium Selection Jewelled Carrot Cake by Bidfood
• Best New Ingredient, Component, Accompaniment Product
Bacon Jam by Patchwork Foods Ltd
• Best New Ice Cream/Dessert/Confectionery Product Premium Selection Salted Caramel Figgy Pudding by Bidfood
• Special Award for Innovation
Bacon Jam by Patchwork Foods Ltd
