Following a rigorous judging process by a panel of expert judges, the winners of the prestigious Best of Organic Market Awards 2023 were unveiled at a glittering ceremony in Bristol yesterday evening (Wednesday 5th July).
The BOOMs, which are the UK’s only organic awards, honours the brands, businesses and people behind the UK’s organic industry and was open to all certified organic businesses in the UK. The awards are run by Soil Association Certification in partnership with headline sponsor Huboo.
Now in their tenth year the bi-annual BOOM Awards are a celebration of excellence across organic farming, food and drink, beauty and wellbeing, fashion and textiles, and home, reflecting the fantastic range of organic-certified businesses working to restore nature, health and a safe climate.
Judging was by a panel of experts, including Telegraph columnist, chef and food writer Xanthe Clay, chef, food and travel writer and broadcaster Romy Gill, and Bake-Off contestant, chef and TV presenter Briony May Williams and food expert and TV presenter Andy Clarke. The awards include a category voted for by the public, The Nation’s Favourite, which celebrates the best-loved organic product of the year.
With 16 food and drink categories, six health & beauty and home, 11 business, and three special awards the BOOMs covers every everything organic.
One of the biggest applauses on the night went to:
Lifetime Achievement which went to Iain Tolhurst – Tolhurst Organic who recently received an MBE for Services to Agriculture in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Helen Browning said: “Iain has dedicated his life to organic and has led the way in so many areas such as achieving net zero and inspiring others to do the same. He has farmed organically for 40 years and has held the Soil Association organic symbol for over 30 years, making Tolhurst Organic one of the longest running organic vegetable farms in England. He is a true advocate for the movement both in theory and in practise, and we are so thrilled to be able to recognise this with this special BOOMs Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Soil Association Commercial & Marketing Director Alex Cullen said: “We’re thrilled to announce the winners, who truly represent the best that organic has to offer.
“Organic farming and production offers vital solutions for climate and nature, which is why we’re so excited to see these products making an impression with the public.
“New and diverse representatives are appearing all the time, and we’re proud to celebrate them here. We’ve heard so many of their fantastic stories working with sustainable businesses.
“These are the people who make the system work and draw other people in. It’s thanks to them that we’re so hopeful for the future, and we’re thrilled we’ve been able to recognise them.”
You can view this full BOOM Awards 2023 list online where you will see details of the finalists and photos of the winning products and their winners logos here https://www.soilassociation.org/certification/events/boom-awards/boom-award-winners/