Voting has opened for the most prestigious categories at the Best of Organic Market Awards 2023

Voting has opened for the most exciting categories of the 2023 BOOM Awards, hosted by Soil Association Certification in partnership with Huboo. The Rising Star and Nation’s Favourite Organic Food & Drink Product Awards are voted for by the people and celebrate excellence within the sector.

The Rising Star award focusses on people establishing a name for themselves as they forge a path within the organic movement. The Nation’s Favourite celebrates the most popular organic food or drink product of the year, as nominated and voted for by the public. A shortlist of top ten products has been selected for a final vote following over 1,000 product nominations.

The Rising Star category is brand new for the 2023 awards. The three-nomination shortlist features people who work tirelessly to tell the story of organic as part of the solution for taking care of ourselves, nature and the planet.

Claire Ratinon is an organic food grower and writer based in East Sussex, whose organic vegetables have been used in Ottolenghi’s restaurant Rovi. Claire has been invited to share her growing journey in talks for organisations including the Barbican Centre, Tate Liverpool, Charleston House and The Garden Museum as well as presenting features for Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time.

Sarah Langford spent almost ten years working as a barrister before moving from London to Suffolk in 2017 with her husband and children to run his small family farm. This change of scenery led her to publish her second book, Rooted: Stories of Life, Land, and a Farming Revolution, which seeks to highlight the world of organic farming at a critical point in the future of the countryside.

Adam Smith and Sinead Fenton made organic their priority when they set up Aweside Farm in 2020, growing a mix of crops including veg, salads and flowers. During that time their focus has shifted towards growing more flowers, having seen how quickly wildlife has flocked to areas of the farm where flowers were growing and how vast the numbers have increased since the beginning of their farming journey.

The Nation’s Favourite award has a shortlist of ten:

Freedom Brewery – Helles Lager pioneers of craft lager at their London brewery which began in 1995. This is a pale balanced organic lager with a delicate floral balance of flavours in the Munich Helles style.

Aspall – Organic Cyder Vinegar organic for over 75 years, this was the first vinegar they produced, which has a beautifully delicate apple flavour and a pleasant, clean finish.

Momo Kombucha – Ginger & Lemon inspired by a trip to New York in 2016, their kombucha is made in small batches in 5-litre glass jars at their London brewery.

Clearspring – Silken Tofu founded 30 years ago, Clearspring champion sustainable agriculture by supporting organic farmers, artisan food producers and plant-based diets.

OMGTea – Organic Matcha Green Tea sourced from Japan, they believe in the antioxidant properties of matcha, which they use to celebrate the full, chaotic and sometimes challenging lives that people lead.

JustIngredients – Organic Mild Curry Powder born from a love of natural, healthy foods and ingredients, a lack of choice and quality in supermarkets led to the idea of creating a one-stop online shop.

Mr Organic – Tomato Ketchup originating from three generations of Italian tomato producers in Pontinia, in 2009 the farm transformed to become completely sustainable and organic.

Liquid Gold Products – Cretan Liquid Gold Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil the brand began in 2012 when its founder quit medicine to work with local farmers, producing their own olive oil from high-quality koroneiki olives.

Seed & Bean – Sea Salt and Orange Dairy Free Milk Chocolate founded with the idea of using 100% organic & ethical practices, they value organic ingredients and high ethical standards through their supply chain.

Grass Roots Dairy Co. – Organic Salted Butter run and owned by farmers to this day, they champion organic values through mentoring and sharing knowledge to deliver the highest possible standards in organic dairy farming.

The previous winner of the Nation’s Favourite Award, when it was last held in 2021, was Zaytoun Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Palestine. The extra virgin olive oil was praised for its superb quality, good value, and for using ancient and sustainable farming practices.

Zaytoun MD Manal Ramadam White said: “Entering the BOOM Awards is one of our key marketing strategies to reach people to let them know this is not just an organic product, but it is the best the organic market has to offer.”

Soil Association Certification Commercial and Marketing Director Alex Cullen said: “We are delighted to open the voting for two of the most exciting awards of the ceremony.

“Agriculture is the major global driver of emissions and habitat destruction – larger than aviation. Organic food and farming offers vital solutions for climate and nature.

“These categories celebrate the best products and the greatest new hopes for the future.

“Despite the cost of living crisis, the organic market grew 1.6% last year, taking its value to £3.1 billion – it’s highest level yet. This marks 11 consecutive years of growth.

“The drive and will to innovate displayed here is extremely exciting, and even in the face of disruptions the future looks bright for the organic sector.”

Members of the public who cast a vote can also enter a free prize draw to win a £50 voucher for Abel & Cole. The ultimate winner will be declared at the prestigious BOOM Awards ceremony on Wednesday 5th July in Bristol.

For more information, please visit: https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/boom-awards/the-nations-favourite/