Double Gold at the Smithfield Awards
Our Smoked Streaky Bacon, and our Topside + Cheddar burgers, have each picked up a Gold Award at the Q Guild of Butchers product evaluation.
More than 200 products were put forward by butchers from up and down the UK for evaluation in this year’s Smithfield Awards, organised by the prestigious Q Guild of Butchers. Now, we’re off to London to see if our products will pick up the coveted Diamond Award, presented to the best of the best in each of the eleven categories.
A cook-off, selected from a shortlist of the Diamond Award winners, on the day of the awards in London and judged by an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned Irish butcher Pat Whelan, will also see one butcher crowned supreme champion and awarded the Smithfield Platinum Award.
Our Senior Area Retail Manager, Peter Potts, said; “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve received two Gold awards from the esteemed Q Guild of Butchers. These awards not only serve as a prestigious industry endorsement but also highlight the skill and innovation of our team. Here’s to the possibility of our products being crowned the best in the UK!”
Cranstons Gold-winning Smoked Streaky Bacon is cured traditionally in house, before being expertly smoked by our friends at the Eden Valley Smokehouse, resulting in a delicate, yet delicious, flavour. Our chunky 8oz Topside and Cheddar Burger combines local dry-aged steak, tangy cheddar and just the right amount of sweet tomato chutney, resulting in a juicy and flavourful patty.
The Smithfield Awards recognise and reward the best meat products from butchers across the UK, showcasing their craftmanship, innovation and skill. Categories include Artisan Home-cured Bacon, Best Black Pudding, BBQ Product, Best Butcher’s Steak, Traditional Pork Sausage and Best Traditional Pork Pie.
Our products were judged at an extensive judging session at the City of Glasgow College last month, by respected industry professionals, journalists and foodies including Scotland’s National Chef and MasterChef winner Gary Maclean. Products were evaluated using a points system, with the best products awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold. Gold winners in each category will now be vying for the coveted Diamond Awards which will be announced at next month’s awards ceremony on 24th April 2024 at Butcher’s Hall in London.
Gordon Wallace, Q Guild Manager said: “The Smithfield Awards serve as a platform to the highlight the pinnacle of craft butchery, elevating standards and inspiring product innovation. This year, over 200 products were submitted by Q Guild butchers from across the UK, marking it as the meat trade’s foremost and most rigorous product evaluation event. Achieving a Gold award is a significant accomplishment, and we extend our best wished to all entries as we approach our upcoming award ceremony.”
