The Great Taste bursary scheme was established in 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Great Taste. Following its continued success, this year 50 micro producers were again given the chance to put one new product in front of its expert panel of Great Taste judges for free.
The 2025 bursary panel, which consisted of Selfridge’s Andrew Bird, industry commentator and food entrepreneur Mallika Basu, and PR & marketing expert AJ Sharp, selected the 50 most eligible entries. The recipients of the bursary then participated in the same rigorous blind-tasting process as all 14,340 food and drink entries, with judges unaware of their bursary status.
26 bursary products were awarded stars this year: over half the bursary entries, with 19 receiving a 1-star and 7 receiving a 2-star. The Golden Fork for Outstanding Bursary Winner will be announced at the Great Taste Golden Forks awards ceremony on Tuesday 9 September at Battersea Arts Centre.
Discover the 2025 Bursary award-winners:
1-star Cumin, Chilli and Turmeric Paneer from All The Aunties
1-star Bealach Highland Gin from Bealach Gin
1-star Bellamie Cherry Liqueur from Bellamie
1-star Cendol Jenner from & chill
1-star Coconut Lemon Nutri from Nutri
1-star Crunchy Almond Butter from DEEP Almond Butter
1-star Hibiscus Rose Mint Kombucha from KombuHeritage
1-star Italo Disco Vermouth from The Joy Project
1-star Vietnamese Lemongrass Chilli Oil from Mother Land
1-star Nolen Gurer Sondesh from Taste of MouAksha
1-star Ox Cheek & Truffle Scotch Pie from Pie NI
1-star Pistachio Dragèes from Brontelway
1-star Pu’er Fermented Black Tea from brut tea
1-star “Surplus” Tomato & Tamarind Chutney from Rigsby’s Seasonal Foods
1-star Sagrado Blanco from Sagrado
1-star Seavoury – Mushroom Crisps from Mushrooms & Love
1-star Smoked Banana Hot Sauce from Wild Infused Vinegar
1-star Summer Wildflower Honey from Benhar Honey
1-star Swenga Miyo Sausage from Swenga Food
2-star The Pepper Upper from Adela’s Vegan Deli
2-star Extra Virgin Avocado Oil from Uppa Club
2-star It’s Garden Marmalade from It’s Garden
2-star 75% Wild Beniano Chocolate from Kindred Forest
2-star ‘Nduja from The Curly Pigs
2-star Sir Christopher Berry from Monty Booch
2-star Sunflower Creamed Monofloral Honey from Honeyland
