Ross & Ross Gifts and its owner Cotswold Gold are renowned for producing award-winning products, we have received numerous accolades at the Great Taste Awards, and Cotswold Gold won the prestigious 3-star award for its Whisky Butter in 2024. 

Cotswold Gold’s (formerly Ross & Ross Gifts) Ross Bearman judges at the Great Taste Awards, but what exactly is the Great Taste Awards, and what does it mean for consumers looking for top-quality food and drink? Cotswold Gold’s Ross Bearman who judges at the Great Taste awards, gives us an insight into what goes on.

Founded in 1994 by the Guild of Fine Food, Great Taste is the world’s largest and most respected accreditation scheme for artisan food and specialty drinks.

It showcases the very best in high-quality food and beverages, making it a trusted ‘stamp of approval’ for discerning consumers. Recognised as the “Oscars” of the food world, the Great Taste Awards help identify the most exceptional food and drink products globally. 

Cotswold Gold, Lucy’s Dressings, and Ross & Ross Gifts have earned multiple awards, which reaffirms our commitment to quality and innovation.

However, despite the many products entered, only about one-third receive an award, making it a highly competitive and prestigious recognition. 

How Do Great Taste Awards Work? 

Every year, over 14,000 food and drink products from more than 100 countries are carefully blind-tasted by a panel of expert judges.

This panel includes restaurateurs, chefs, food critics, fine food retailers, buyers, and food writers, all of whom lend their expertise to discover outstanding products. 

Each tasting session typically lasts between 2.5 to 3 hours. During this time, judges evaluate the products based on appearance, aroma, texture, taste, and the overall balance of flavours.

The process ensures that only the best products earn the coveted Great Taste award. 

Why Ross Bearman Became a Great Taste Judge 

Ross Bearman, who founded Ross & Ross Gifts  and is now Head of Sales & Marketing at Cotswold Gold, has been a judge at the Great Taste Awards since 2013. Ross’s passion for exceptional food and his experience as a fine food retailer led him to this prestigious role.

He explains why the awards are so important for companies like Cotswold Gold: 

“I’m passionate about high-quality, great-tasting food. The Great Taste Awards offer consumers the confidence that they are buying something truly special, crafted by artisan producers. By being a judge, I can use my knowledge to help identify the best products and ensure they stand out on retail shelves. At Cotswold Gold, we have three brands that have earned numerous Great Taste awards, and we continue to create products for future awards to gain accreditation.” 

The Importance of the Great Taste Seal of Approval 

The Great Taste award has become one of the most trusted endorsements for consumers. It assures that products meet the highest standards in terms of taste, quality, and craftsmanship.

The award is based purely on the product’s merits, not its branding, packaging, or marketing efforts. 

Understanding the Great Taste Star Ratings 

The Great Taste Awards employs a simple star system to categorise products: 

• Three-Star (Exceptional): A product that displays no faults, with excellent raw ingredients and production techniques. It is an exemplary example of its type, balancing taste, texture, aroma, and appearance to perfection. 

• Two-Star (Outstanding): A product that demonstrates high quality but may have one minor fault. It’s still an excellent example of its type, showcasing exceptional ingredients and production methods. 

• One-Star (Very Good): A product that demonstrates high quality but may have two or more minor faults. While it may not be deemed “outstanding,” it is still well-made and enjoyable, making it a strong recommendation for consumers. 

Judges’ Feedback and Recommendations 

After each tasting, judges write a 2-3 sentence commentary offering constructive feedback to the producer. This helps producers understand what worked well and provides insight into areas that may need improvement. 

Why You Should Look for the Great Taste Award 

Next time you’re in the supermarket, keep an eye out for products displaying the Great Taste Award symbol. This is your guarantee that you’re purchasing a premium product that has been rigorously tested and recognised for its quality.

Whether it’s a jar of whisky butter from Cotswold Gold or another fine food product, the Great Taste seal ensures you’re making a choice you can trust. 

Try Cotswold Gold's 3-star Whisky Butter or Ross & Ross's 2-star BBQ Salt