Great Taste Awards 2026
We are delighted to share some brilliant news with you all, Opies has picked up 4 Great Taste Awards this year, a major endorsement from one of the most respected food and drink accreditation bodies in the world.
Who judges Great Taste? Over 500 industry experts, chefs, critics, buyers, retailers, producers and specialist tasters blind‑taste every entry. The Guild builds a deliberately diverse panel each year to ensure a wide range of palates, backgrounds and disciplines. Dedicated specialists also judge categories such as coffee, tea, chilli, plant‑based, beer, cider, spirits and low/no alcohol. In short, these awards are earned through serious scrutiny.
What the stars mean:
- 1‑Star - Excellent flavour. Only 25–30% of entries achieve this.
- 2‑Star - Outstanding flavour. Awarded to around 10% of entries.
- 3‑Star - Extraordinary, world‑class flavour. Fewer than 2% reach this level.
And now, our results:
Opies Black Cherries with Kirsch: 2 Stars. Judges loved the deep cherry character, the clean bite and the elegant lift from the kirsch. The long, warm finish and excellent texture stood out. A refined, well‑balanced product that impressed across the board.
Opies Crystallised Ginger: 2 Stars. A standout entry. Fresh, fiery ginger flavour, long finish, perfect balance of heat and sweetness and artisan‑style chunks that deliver real impact. Judges called it versatile, beautifully balanced and “a delight”.
Opies Stem Ginger: 2 Stars. Praised for its glossy syrup, tender texture and long, enjoyable ginger punch. A clean, reliable, well‑crafted example of its kind with strong visual appeal and great usability.
Opies Pickled Walnuts: 1 Star. Recognised for their generous size, great texture and rounded spicing. Judges enjoyed the balance of sweetness and acidity and highlighted them as a punchy, characterful accompaniment to cheese.
