The BFFF Product Awards showcase the finest innovations and product excellence across the frozen category, culminating in an awards event and Gala Dinner Dance at the Park Lane London Hilton on 13 June.
Yorica UK Ltd scooped the prestigious Retail Product of the Year for its double chocolate cookie frozen dessert, which is free from 14 allergens.
Meanwhile, Paramount 21 Ltd took home the Foodservice Product of the Year with its headed and gutted coated whitebait, which is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified.
The retail awards are unique in that panels of independent consumers from judge the winners across the UK who mark the products for appearance, taste, innovation, packaging, likelihood of purchase and value for money.
Aldi’s mince pie and brandy butter ice-cream picked up the Gold Award for Best New Ice Cream. It was described as ‘perfection’ and ‘a must-have for Christmas’.
The Gold Award for Best New Ingredient, Component, Accompaniment Product went to Patchwork Foods Ltd for its bacon jam. The same product also picked up the Special Award for Innovation. Praised for its ‘unique flavour’ and ‘strong, balanced bacon taste’, the judges were impressed by its versatility as a savoury accompaniment.
Richard Harrow, BFFF chief executive, said: “This is my first awards event as chief executive and I am incredibly proud of the hard work and creativity demonstrated by all the entrants and the BFFF team.
“The impressive innovation happening across frozen is incredibly encouraging, especially considering the important role the sector has to play as we look towards a future of increased value for the consumer and decreased food waste for us all.
“Standards were exceptionally high, showcasing the very best in new product development and innovation. I’ve been really encouraged by the number of businesses and brands putting their products forward, which speaks volumes about the confidence they have in their offering, as well as the future of frozen.”
BFFF PRODUCT AWARD WINNERS 2019:
Retail Product of the Year
Double Chocolate Cookie 14 Allergen Free Frozen Dessert by Yorica UK Ltd.
Best New Poultry-Based Product
Specially Selected Chicken, Bacon & Monterey Jack Cheese Parcel by Aldi Stores Ltd.
Best New Fish-Based Product
100% Cod Chuck Fillets by Whitby Seafoods Ltd.
Best New Free From, Meat Free, Vegetable-Based Product
Double Chocolate Cookie 14 Allergen Free Frozen Dessert by Yorica UK Ltd.
Best New Meat Product
Luxury Argentinian Sirloin Steak by Iceland Foods Ltd.
Best New Party Food, Starter Product
Let’s Party Oriental Vegetable Selection by Aldi Stores Ltd.
Best New Dessert or Confectionery Product
Asda Apple and Walnut Cake by Coppenrath and Wiese (UK) Ltd.
Best New Ice Cream Product
Specially Selected Christmas Ice Cream – Mince Pie & Brandy Butter by Aldi Stores Ltd.
Best New Ethnic or World Cuisine Product
Carlos Rocket & Grand Padano Flatbread by Aldi Stores Ltd & Freiberger UK Ltd.
Best New Ingredient, Component, Accompaniment Product
Luxury Pork, Cranberry and Orange Stuffing Parcels by Iceland Foods Ltd.
Special Award for Innovation
Broccoli and Purple Carrot Bites by Strong Roots Food Company Ltd.
Foodservice Product of the Year
MSC Coated Whitebait – Headed and Gutted by Paramount 21 Ltd.
Best New Starter Product
Mac Cheese Bites by KK Fine Foods Ltd.
Best New Free From, Meat Free, Vegetable-Based Product
Beetroot, Red Pepper and Quinoa Burger by Brakes.
Best New Meat Product
Homestyle Salt & Pepper Shredded Chicken by Meadow Vale Foods.
Best Ethnic or World Cuisine Product
Giraffe World Kitchen Lamb, Apricot & Chickpea Tagine by KK Fine Foods Ltd.
Best New Fish Product
MSC Coated Whitebait – Headed and Gutted by Paramount 21 Ltd.
Best New Bakery Product
Premium Selection Jewelled Carrot Cake by Bidfood.
Best New Ingredient, Component, Accompaniment Product
Bacon Jam by Patchwork Foods Ltd.
Best New Ice Cream/Dessert/Confectionery Product
Premium Selection Salted Caramel Figgy Pudding by Bidfood.
Special Award for Innovation
Bacon Jam by Patchwork Foods Ltd.