Farming winners of BOOM Awards 2023 announced
Following a rigorous judging process by a panel of expert judges, the winners of the prestigious Best of Organic Market Awards 2023 were unveiled at a glittering ceremony in Bristol yesterday evening (Wednesday 5th July).
The BOOMs, which are the UK’s only organic awards, honours the brands, businesses and people behind the UK’s organic industry and was open to all certified organic businesses in the UK. The awards are run by Soil Association Certification in partnership with headline sponsor Huboo.
Now in their tenth year the bi-annual BOOM Awards are a celebration of excellence across organic farming, food and drink, beauty and wellbeing, fashion and textiles, and home, reflecting the fantastic range of organic-certified businesses working to restore nature, health and a safe climate.
Judging was by a panel of experts, including Telegraph columnist, chef and food writer Xanthe Clay, chef, food and travel writer and broadcaster Romy Gill, and Bake-Off contestant, chef and TV presenter Briony May Williams and food expert and TV presenter Andy Clarke. The awards include a category voted for by the public, The Nation’s Favourite, which celebrates the best-loved organic product of the year.
With 16 food and drink categories, six health & beauty and home, 11 business, and three special awards the BOOMs covers every everything organic.
The biggest applause on the night went to four key awards:
Lifetime Achievement which went to Iain Tolhurst - Tolhurst Organic who recently received an MBE for Services to Agriculture in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Helen Browning said: “Iain has dedicated his life to organic and has led the way in so many areas such as achieving net zero and inspiring others to do the same. He has farmed organically for 40 years and has held the Soil Association organic symbol for over 30 years, making Tolhurst Organic one of the longest running organic vegetable farms in England. He is a true advocate for the movement both in theory and in practise, and we are so thrilled to be able to recognise this with this special BOOMs Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Winner of Winners which went to Brown Cow Kefir Fermented Yoghurt. The judges said: “The flavour is sensational, it's sweet, a bit sour and we thought it's a product that could be used on it's own or also in other dishes, sweet or savoury. We also loved the ethos behind the company and a lot of us were blown away that the only ingredient is milk!”
The Nation’s Favourite which was won by Clearspring – Organic Tofu – Silken & Smooth. They received the highest number of votes from a public vote beating off some tough competition including: Freedom Brewery Helles Lager; Grass Roots Dairy Organic Salted Butter and Aspall’s Organic Cyder Vinegar.
The Rising Star was awarded to Sinead & Adam - Aweside Farm. The couple upped sticks from their careers and home in London to start an organic farm in Arlington, East Sussex where they have transformed 4.5 acres of ex-arable land into an ecologically thriving smallholding. Sinead said: “Our certified organic flowers celebrate the essence of seasonality, just grown as nature intended never forced. Our flower farm is actively helping to regenerate the landscape and our flowers are home to an ever-increasing number of wildlife. We supply some of the most innovative chefs, creative cake makers, cutting edge caterers in the country with edible flowers and herbs. We pride ourselves on delivering the best of the best, produce that showcases the finest flavours, colours, scents and tastes that the seasons have to offer.”
Manor Organic Farm, Loughborough won Best Organic Farm (over 10 hectares) and Sunshine & Green - Ark Farm, Suffolk won Best of Organic Smallholdings and Market Gardens (under 10 hectares).
Soil Association Commercial & Marketing Director Alex Cullen said: “We’re thrilled to announce the winners, who truly represent the best that organic has to offer.
“Organic farming and production offers vital solutions for climate and nature, which is why we’re so excited to see these products making an impression with the public.
“New and diverse representatives are appearing all the time, and we’re proud to celebrate them here. We’ve heard so many of their fantastic stories working with sustainable businesses.
“These are the people who make the system work and draw other people in. It’s thanks to them that we’re so hopeful for the future, and we’re thrilled we’ve been able to recognise them.”
“We’ve been so lucky to work with such a dedicated and expert panel of judges, who worked through hundreds of shortlisted products and entries to with the unenviable task of making the key decisions.
“Organic - nature-friendly farming, which has produced the food and drink here, is the b
est way for us to secure the future of our farming whilst meeting our carbon goals.
“These farming systems demand dedication and commitment to the principles of organic and require farmers to work with, not against nature. We recognise this additional work, care and attention that goes into making such wonderful produce to such high standards.
“This drive to innovate means the organic market remains popular and resilient.”
The winners are being announced at a time when the organic market has shown remarkable resilience, taking its value to £3.1 billion – its highest value yet. This marks 11 consecutive years of growth and over 25.4% growth since 2019
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