The trophy winners of the prestigious Golden Fork Awards 2023, a hallmark of culinary excellence, have been announced at an exclusive event to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of artisan producers. These awards are a testament to the dedication and expertise of these excellent producers who have consistently delivered exceptional 3-star products.
With a strong showcase of food and drink in Wales, Hive Mind Mead & Co. Were proudly announced as the Golden Fork winner from Wales.
Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co., home to the renowned Wye Valley Meadery Traditional Mead, is a true artisanal gem nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Wye Valley, Wales. With a commitment to preserving age-old mead-making traditions while infusing them with a modern touch, this family-owned company has mastered the craft of producing exceptional mead.
Their signature product, the Traditional Mead, is a labour of love and an embodiment of Welsh terroir. It's meticulously crafted using locally sourced honey and pure spring water, capturing the essence of the region's pristine environment. The result is a mead that entices with rich, honeyed sweetness, balanced by subtle floral undertones—a true reflection of the Wye Valley's natural beauty.
What sets Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co. apart is not just the quality of their mead but also their dedication to sustainable practices. They prioritise supporting local beekeepers and reducing their environmental footprint, making them a shining example of an artisanal business deeply rooted in the Welsh landscape.
In essence, Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co. offers more than just a beverage; it provides an experience that connects you to the traditions, flavours, and landscapes of Wales, making each sip a journey through the heart of the Wye Valley.
Matt Newell, Co-founder, Beekeeper and Brewer – Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co. commented: < \br>
It is a huge honour to be awarded the Golden Fork, especially given the amazing quality of food and drink represented by the entries to the awards. This recognition is testament to the passion and dedication of our small team as we work together to craft unique meads which tell the story of our beautiful region, its biodiversity, and the quality of the honey it provides. We would like to thank our fantastic friends and family, our great team members and everyone for believing in us and making this award possible.
The Golden Fork Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, represent the pinnacle of recognition for fine food and drink. These awards are highly coveted and serve as a hallmark of exceptional quality and taste. The rigorous evaluation process involves blind tastings by a panel of expert judges, ensuring impartiality and transparency in the evaluation process.
Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths, said:
A huge congratulations to the fantastic Welsh companies honoured at this year’s Golden Fork Awards.
Wales is home to some of the world’s best food and drink which is evident from the work of the finalists and winners. I am pleased to see their dedication and commitment to making high-quality products has been recognised by the esteemed Guild of Fine Food judges.
I encourage everyone, in Wales and from further afield, to explore the exceptional food and drink Welsh businesses offer.”
Among the distinguished Welsh products awarded the coveted 3-star rating were:
- Antur Brew Co - New Alt
- Bay Coffee Roasters - Papua New Guine
- Black Mountain Smokery Ltd - Smoked Chicken Breast
- Black Welsh Lamb - Pedigree, organic, pasture-fed hogget leg
- Brecon Chocolates - Whisky and Pecan Praline
- Caws Teifi Cheese - Gwyn Bach
- Celtic Spirit Company - Christmas Pwd Liqueur
- Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co. - Wye Valley Meadery Traditional Mead
- Mountain Produce - Cold Pressed Sunflower Dressing Oil
- Vale Of Glamorgan Brewery Ltd - VOG Jackson's Black Oyster Shell IPA
These exceptional products have not only achieved the highest 3-star rating by the Great Taste Awards 2023 but have also earned their place among the elite at the Golden Fork Awards. They represent the very best of Welsh fine food and drink, showcasing the dedication and expertise of Welsh producers.
The nominees for the Golden Fork for Wales 2023 were:
Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co. - Wye Valley Meadery Traditional Mead
Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co. is renowned for crafting Wye Valley Meadery Traditional Mead, a delightful beverage that encapsulates the essence of Welsh terroir. Using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients, this award-winning mead exudes rich honeyed notes with a touch of floral elegance, offering a taste of Wales' natural beauty in every sip.
Black Welsh Lamb - Pedigree, organic, pasture-fed hogget leg
Black Welsh Lamb takes pride in producing pedigree, organic, pasture-fed hogget leg, representing the epitome of sustainable and ethical farming. Their commitment to animal welfare and the environment results in a tender, succulent meat that reflects the lush landscapes of Wales. Each bite tells a story of responsible farming practices and exceptional flavour.
Mountain Produce - Cold Pressed Sunflower Dressing Oil
Mountain Produce is known for its Cold Pressed Sunflower Dressing Oil, a culinary gem that adds a touch of health and flavour to dishes. Expertly crafted from locally grown sunflower seeds, this oil boasts a mild, nutty taste and a wealth of essential nutrients. It not only elevates the taste of meals but also supports local agriculture, making it a must-have for both food enthusiasts and conscientious consumers.
John Farrand, managing director at the Guild of Fine Food comments:
Announcing the Great Taste Golden Fork winners is always a huge honour and a real celebration of all of the producers reaching the finale of the Great Taste judging season.
“After months of rigorous blind-tasting and judging with a team of over 500 judges, it is fantastic to reveal the award-winning products and celebrate the producers' hard work and innovation. It’s been an exceptional year for both creative and traditional food and drink entries, with many products showing us that well-made food and drink will always stand out when put to the test. Huge congratulations from all of us at the Guild to all the award winners who have risen to the top and proven to be the best of the best international food and drink. Thank you to everyone who was involved in another successful year of Great Taste.