Organic award for Suffolk firm

Suffolk-based Aspall Cyder has won a Soil Association Organic Food Award in the ‘Store cupboard staples’ category for its cyder vinegar.  It was described by the judges as having a ‘Very gentle appley taste.  True clean flavour, authentic apple flavour’.

The Soil Association Organic Food Awards 2008, sponsored by Highland Spring, were judged by an expert panel of chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and specialists, alongside names such as Jo Wood and Donna Air. They involved a three day tasting marathon of 900 entries hosted at the Duke of Cambridge in London, the UK's only organically certified pub.

Monty Don, president of the Soil Association, will present awards to the winners - which span 12 categories - on Friday 5 September at Bordeaux Quay, Bristol on the eve of the Soil Association Organic Fortnight and Food Festival.

Monty Don said, "The Soil Association Organic Food Awards represent not just the very best of British foods but are also a celebration of the finest food and ingredients anywhere in the world, so to present the awards is not only a privilege but a pleasure."

The Soil Association Organic Food Awards, now in their 20th year, showcase the best in quality organic food and drink and highlight the imaginative and successful way in which individuals, and their companies, are contributing to the resurgence in organic, local and seasonal food.

Patrick Holden, Soil Association director said, "The Soil Association Organic Food Awards celebrate and draw attention to the care, commitment and dedication of artisan food production upon whom our food culture is built. Behind each of the 900 entries there are stories of dedicated producers whose total commitment to quality is reflected in the flavour of their food and whose entries make these awards possible."

Judging in all categories was by blind tasting and all products were judged on taste, smell, texture and appearance.

A full list of winners is given below.

Baby, infant and children food - HiPP organic, Apple and Raspberry Smoothie

Baked goods - Hobbs house bakery, Wild White

Beer and cider - Black Isle Brewery, Yellowhammer IPA

Cakes, biscuits, confectionary & desserts - Judges Bakery, Macaroon

Cereal - Claybrooke, Super Muesli

Dairy – Ben’s Eggs, eggs

Fruit and vegetables - Woodlands Farm, pointed cabbage

Meat and fish - Rhug Estate, pork

Non alcoholic drinks - Asda, Green Tea

Prepared food - Rod and Ben’s, Pea and Mint Soup

Store cupboard staples - Aspall, Cyder Vinegar

Wine and spirits - Vintage Roots, Sparkling Wine