Finalists announced for The FoodTalk Awards 2018

Finalists for two people’s choice ‘Big Apple’ awards have also been shortlisted, who will go on to showcase their winning products at the awards ceremony, with guests deciding the winner on the night.

The judges have also chosen a host of Gold Award winners, who will go on to showcase their winning products at the awards ceremony.

Judges received entries from more than 200 companies, with the overall winners to be announced at a ceremony at the Banking Hall in London on 15th June. Tickets are on general sale now via eventbrite.co.uk.

The awards are organised by The FoodTalk Show, a weekly podcast which champions innovation and excellence in the emerging sector of food tech, and honours the forward thinkers in the food industry.

Sue Nelson, FoodTalk Show presenter and awards judge said, “Congratulations to all our entrants who made it to the last, most demanding stage of The FoodTalk Awards competition. Getting this far is an amazing achievement because choosing the finalists was one of the hardest tasks I’ve had on any judging panel. Now, perhaps, the very toughest part is about to begin – honing our search on the eventual winners!

“To all those companies that just missed the final cut this time, please take heart. This is a tough awards competition across all sectors and choosing our final shortlist was incredibly difficult as the bar was set so high. You have it all to play for next year.

“The number and quality of entries was astounding, and the diversity of companies that will be represented at this year’s FoodTalk Awards is inspiring.”

The finalists for the FoodTalk Awards 2018 are:

‘All in the Taste’ Award – food

• Baked by Neelu – Signature Chocolate Brownies
• Kinomi Nuts – Bari Bari Barus
• Fifth Dimension Chocolates – Soy Caramel Sauce
• Rubies in the Rubble – Banana Ketchup
• Morocco Gold – Single Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The People’s Choice award will be chosen by guests at the awards dinner

‘All in the Taste Award’ – drink

• YumCha – Moroccan Mint Ice Tea
• World of Zing – Bordeaux Barrel Aged Negroni
• Dalston’s – Cola
• Longflint Drinks Co – Hibiscus, Gin Tonic
• Double Dutch – Pomegranate and Basil Tonic Water

The People’s Choice award will be chosen by guests at the awards dinner

Clean Eating Award

• Moose Maple – Moose Maple Butter
• Hunter & Gather – Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
• On The Menu – Real Good Ketchup
• Green Cola – Green Cola
• Urban Cordial – Apple, Lemon and Fennel Cordial
• Eat First – Teriyaki Tofu

Two silver awards and the gold winner will be chosen by the judging panel for announcement at the awards dinner

Free-From Award

• Nutcrafter Creamery – Ancient Cheddah
• Bonnie Yau – Thai Style Satay Sauce
• Mr. Singh’s – Punjabi Cooking Paste
• La Cremerie – Vanilla Yogurt
• Champion & Reeves – Dessert Nougat
• Oast to Host – Pastry Mix

Two silver awards and the gold winner will be chosen by the judging panel for announcement at the awards dinner

Smart Packaging Award

• Wool Cool – Sustainable Packaging
• WK Thomas – Eco-friendly Range
• T Sticks of London – T stick
• Snact – Plastic-free Packaging
• Tiggs – Tiny Tigg Pack
• Cornware – Biodegradable Sushi Tray

Two silver awards and the gold winner will be chosen by the judging panel for announcement at the awards dinner

Smart Tech/Kitchen Award

• Sous Vide Tools – iVide cooker
• Mr Lees – Noodle kiosk
• Kafoodle - Kafoodle
• Teapy - Teapy
• Still on the Move – Mobile distillery
• Yumpingo – Food intelligence platform

Two silver awards and the gold winner will be chosen by the judging panel for announcement at the awards dinner

Presenters’ Award

• The Vurger Co – 100% Plant-based Burgers
• Dunnet Bay Distillers – Holy Grass Vodka
• The Chocolate Smiths – Cheese and Cracker Chocolate
• St Ewe – Boost the roost free range eggs

The gold winner will be chosen by our presenters for announcement at the awards dinner

The Impossible to Categorise Award

• Little Cook Box
• Petrow Quality Kernels
• Gerald McDonald & Co
• Helen Roberts of Wandsworth Foodies

The gold winner will be chosen by presenters for announcement at the awards dinner

Image: last year’s award winners