Hundreds of products battled it out across 18 categories that ranged from bread and morning goods to desserts. The most hotly contested categories included cheesecakes, meal accompaniments, and cakes, biscuits and scones.
The most decorated product of the night was Booker Group’s Chef’s Larder Chocolate Fudge Brownie, which triumphed in the Products Sold as Free-From category and was also named Chefs’ Choice Product of the Year.
The Chefs’ Choice Awards were created by the publisher of FoodManufacture.co.uk and Food Manufacture, William Reed to showcase the work of foodservice suppliers, from wholesalers to manufacturers.
Showcase the work of foodservice suppliers
Judged by chefs for chefs, the annual awards aim to shine a spotlight on operators that can demonstrate quality, innovation, creativity, value and great taste delivery in their frozen, fresh, chilled or ambient products.
The products were judged at Food Innovation Solutions’ Waterloo development kitchen by a panel that included experienced chefs from various sectors. All the entries were assessed on a range of criteria including: appearance, aroma, flavour, texture, value for money and innovation.
“You have asked us to produce and run these awards to enhance the sector,” says event director Sonia Young.
‘Compete head-to-head’
“These awards will allow businesses in the foodservice supply chain to compete head-to-head in core product categories and secure a competitive advantage via independent assessment of eating quality, value and taste.
“They also highlight great development work that’s delivering value to thousands of customers in pubs and bars, restaurants, hotels, cafés and other hospitality outlets.”
For the full list of winners and highly rated products visit the Chefs’ Choice Awards website.