The Grocer Own-Label Food & Drink Awards 2012: Best innovations in a defining year

It’s no exaggeration to describe this as a defining year for own-label. After four years of decline, the own-label food and drink market returned to growth. And for the first time ever own-label represented a greater share of new products launched than brands.

While no-one would deny the effect economic pressures have had on consumer spending habits, product development has been an essential element in own-label’s return to growth. Activity has ranged from large-scale and very visible rollouts - such as Morrison’s M Kitchen and the far-reaching By Sainsbury’s - to unheralded individual products that put branded NPD to shame.

Brand price-matching in all its forms has also raised the importance of an own-label as a way of standing apart from rival retailers. “Price is becoming less of a reason for shoppers to switch stores,” said Kantar Worldpanel director Ed Garner, speaking at a seminar held on the morning of The Grocer’s Own-Label Food and Drink Awards ceremony.

Another seminar speaker, Brian Sharoff, president of the international Private Label Manufacturers Association, described the UK as the world’s model for own-label: “The UK is the leader in own-label innovation.”

And innovation is what the awards were created to celebrate - and did so in grand style at the Hilton Park Lane on Tuesday as the winners of 50 categories were given the right to use the coveted Gold awards logo on their winning products and in stores.

Tesco made 15 trips to the stage - taking the greatest share of the accolades. Of the other major supermarkets, Asda took seven wins, Morrisons six, Sainsbury’s five, The Co-op Group four and Marks & Spencer had a single victory. Waitrose failed to win an award.

As seen in previous years, the discounters proved they are more than capable of giving the traditional supermarkets a run for their money. Aldi took seven Golds, while Lidl took home five. And the victories were harder earned than ever, with a record 751 products entered into the awards this year, of which 230 were shortlisted. “This is now the biggest own-label competition in the world,” said editor Adam Leyland, as he opened the ceremony. “And the success of the awards are a tribute to the size, vibrancy and the competitiveness of the UK private-label industry.”

The credibility of the unique two-stage judging process was further enhanced, this year, by an insistence that the expert panel of judges blind tasted all the products. Cambridge Market Research Managing director Paul Beresford, who oversaw the consumer panel testing, said taste and texture were key to success, but this year value and packaging have also had a strong influence on consumers.

Little wonder, then, there has been so much range development and rebranding - most recently at the lower end of the market with Tesco recently relaunching its pioneering Value range as Everyday Value and even Marks & Spencer trying to woo cost-conscious consumers with its new Simply range. It looks like The Grocer’s Own Label Food & Drink Awards will attract new entries for a long time to come, as innovation continues to drive the market.

BAKERY - BISCUITS: Aldi Momento Chocolate Chunk Cookie

The homemade look and taste won over our judges, who also felt they were good value.

Other finalists: Sainsbury’s Giant Raspberry & White Chocolate Cookies (Silver); Lidl Sondey Orange Jaffa Cakes; Aldi Memento Cranberry & White Chocolate Cookies; Lidl Belbake Caramel Wafers with Cinnamon; Sainsbury’s TTD Belgian Milk Chocolate & Pecan Squares

BAKERY - CAKE MIXES: Morrisons Red Velvet Cupcake Kit (Symingtons)

Another product that was praised for offering great value for money, the quality of this mix was compared with that of professionally baked products in a bakers. Our judges said it tasted great, with one pointing out how well the icing sugar and the cake complemented each other.

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda Chosen By You Indulgent Chocolate & Coconut Cupcake Mix (Silver); Tesco Chocolate Celebration Cake Mix; Tesco White Chocolate Cupcake Mix

BAKERY - CAKES: Lidl Deluxe Chocolate Cake

There was no denying how wonderfully indulgent this cake was, offering a moist light sponge and intense chocolate avour. As one of our judges described it: “This is a great ready-made, grown-up chocolate cake.”

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda Cheeky Monkey Cake (Silver); Asda Chosen By You Giant Lemon Daisy Cupcake; Asda Extra Special Hand Decorated Strawberry & Belgian White Chocolate Cake

BAKERY SPECIALITY: Tesco Finest Balsamic Roast Garlic & Italian Cheese Fougasse New Primebake (Bakkavör)

This bread combined a great aroma, a nice crunch and good cheese avour. Judges also liked the shape and texture of the bread and its artisanal touches.

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda Extra Special Hand Topped Wyke Farm Vintage Cheddar, Gruyère & Caramelised Garlic Fougasse (Silver);

Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Ciabatta; Tesco Garlic & Coriander Naan

BAKERY SWEET: The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Lemon and Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Finsbury Foods

“Moist and very enjoyable” was how one of our panel described this lemon and poppy seed loaf cake, which was also praised for having a great texture and a fresh, lemon flavour without being too sweet.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Café Continental Chocolate Chip Brioche Rolls

BAKERY - TRADITIONAL: Tesco White English Muffins (Fletchers Bakeries)

These were held up as being a great example of the traditional English muffin: delicious with a fresh taste and excellent texture and colour.

OTHER FINALISTS: Morrisons The Best Morning Roll (Silver); Asda Chosen By You Bakers Gold Seeded Farmhouse Loaf; Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Soft Multiseed Wholemeal Farmhouse Batch

BEVERAGES - HOT: Tesco Finest Fairtrade Tea Bags (Typhoo Tea)

Tesco’s Fairtrade tea scored points for attractive presentation and competitive pricing, and delivered a refreshing cup of tea with a good depth of flavour.

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda Chosen By You Tea Bags (Silver); Tesco Fairtrade Decaffeinated Roast & Ground Coffee; The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Fairtrade Kenyan Roast & Ground Coffee

BEVERAGES - JUICES & SMOOTHIES: Sainsbury’s Apple, Pineapple & Lemon Grass Juice (Princes Soft Drinks)

This was a great example of a retailer bringing something new to market - an unusual drink that was tasty and refreshing.

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda Extra Special Pressed Cox’s Apple Juice (Silver); Aldi Rio D’oro Cloudy Apple Juice; Morrisons Apple, Rhubarb & Ginger Juice; Sainsbury’s TTD Orange Juice with Bits; Tesco Finest Cox Apple Juice

BEVERAGES - SOFT DRINKS: Asda Extra Special Non-Alcoholic Apple & Raspberry Pressè (Radnor Hills Mineral Water Co)

Offering good value for money, this won high praise for its refreshing taste. “This has the perfect ratio of apple to raspberry, with the tart raspberry complementing the sweet apple,” said one impressed judge.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco High Juice Orange, Mango & Passion Fruit 50% Fruit Juice (Silver); Asda Chosen By You 50% Fruit High Juice No Added Sugar Pomegranate & Grape

CHEESE - CHEDDAR: The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Somerset Vintage Cheddar (Wyke Farms)

This traditional Cheddar had a complex and lingering taste with a pleasant tang.

OTHER FINALISTS: Morrisons Extra Mature White Lighter Cheese (Silver); Aldi Cheese Emporium British Mature Lighter Grated Cheese; Aldi Scottish Vintage Cheddar; Asda ES Mull of Kintyre Mature Cheddar; Tesco Finest English Vintage Cheddar

CHEESE - HARD, NONCHEDDAR: Tesco Finest Belton Traditional Extra Mature Farmhouse Red Leicester (Belton Cheese)

This creamy cheese offered the classic Red Leicester flavour notes without being overpowering.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Finest Lattebusche Piave Vecchio (Silver); Asda ES Belton Farm Red Leicester; Morrisons Old Amsterdam deli cheese; Tesco Finest d’Isigny Ste Mère 12 Month Matured Mimolette

CHEESE - SOFT, NONCHEDDAR: Morrisons Brillat-Savarin Cheese (Bradbury & Son)

This soft, white-crusted cheese had a good texture and a full, milky flavour. Our panel appreciated how creamy it was.

OTHER FINALISTS: Aldi Roi de Tre e French Camembert; Aldi Speciality Cheese - Wensleydale with Cranberries

CHILLED BACON: Lidl Deluxe Irish Unsmoked Dry Cure Rindless Back Bacon Rashers (Honeyvale Foods)

These looked great, cooked and uncooked, and had excellent texture and flavour.

OTHER FINALISTS: Marks & Spencer Juniper Spiced Smoked Back Bacon (Silver); Morrisons Butcher’s Style Unsmoked; Ayrshire Middle Rindless Bacon Rashers; Sainsbury’s TTD Ulitmate Dry Cure; Outdoor Bred Bacon Rashers; Tesco Butcher’s Choice Smoked Back Rashers

CHILLED - DELICATESSEN: Tesco Broad Bean, Asparagus & Mint Houmous (Bakkavör Meals)

The balance between the broad beans, asparagus and mint allowed the flavour of each ingredient to shine. The judges were also impressed with the texture.

OTHER FINALISTS: Lidl Meadow Fresh Luxury Cheese Coleslaw (Silver); Asda Topped Houmous Selection; Lidl Meadow Fresh Chicken & Bacon Pasta Salad

CHILLED - DELICATESSEN SLICED MEAT: Tesco Finest British Wafer Thin Applewood Smoked Ham (Walkers Midshire Foods)

Our panel enjoyed the complex flavour of this applewood-smoked ham, praising its “salty sweetness” and smokiness.

OTHER FINALISTS: Aldi Alpenmark Smoked German Ham (Silver); Lidl Glensallagh Irish Traditional Crumbed Ham; Spar Thinly Sliced Honey Roast Ham; Tesco Finest British Wiltshire Cured Ham with Seville Orange Marmalade

CHILLED - ETHNIC READY MEAL: Lidl Kanpur Garden Chicken Tikka Masala

The texture of the tikka masala sauce was one of the high points of the product for our judges, who also noted the good colour and aroma of the curry and the rice.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Chicken Saag Aloo Balti (Silver); Asda Chosen By You Chicken Rezala; Lidl Vitasia Sweet & Sour Chicken; Morrisons M Kitchen Fresh Ideas Katsu Curry

CHILLED - FOOD TO GO: Marks & Spencer Prawn Mayo on Malted Bread (Greencore Northampton)

As one of our judges put it: “This is a bloody good sandwich.” Our panel praised the quantity of prawns and its value for money.

OTHER FINALISTS: Spar Thai Style Prawn Noodles (Silver); Asda CBY Cumberland Scotch Eggs; Costa The Hot Wrap - Ragu Meatball; Marks & Spencer BLT on Malted Bread; Tesco Brown Rice Sushi; Tesco Handmade Cajun Chicken Wrap

CHILLED - PIES: Tesco Finest Mini Melton Mowbray Pork Pies (Walkers Charnwood Bakery)

These had good meat content without too much jelly and excellent crisp pastry.

OTHER FINALISTS: Morrisons Steak & Stilton Roast Potato Topped Pie (Silver); Morrisons M Kitchen Pu Pastry Chicken, Ham & Leek Pie; Sainsbury’s TTD Mini Pork Sausage Rolls; Sainsbury’s TTD Smoked Haddock & Scottish Salmon Pie

CHILLED - PIZZA: Morrisons M Kitchen Bistro Four Seasons Pizza (Bakkavör Pizza)

The pizza won over our judges with its traditional, handmade look and crisp crust. The quality ingredients also impressed, particularly the “lovely, lovely” olives.

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda Extra Special Roasted Vegetable & Pesto Pizza; Tesco Finest Italian Ham & Mushroom Stromboli; Tesco Texas BBQ Ultimate Chicken Pizza

CHILLED - PREPARED VEG DISHES: Tesco Finest Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Kettle Produce)

“Terriffic reinvention of stuffed mushroom.”

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda Chosen By You Carrot & Coriander Falafels (Silver); Morrisons M Kitchen Spinach, Ricotta & Tomato Cannelloni; Tesco Finest Fresh Seasoned Ready to Roast Potatoes with Goose Fat; The Co-op Eat in British Mini peer roasted potatoes with caramelised onion and thyme

CHILLED - QUICHE: Tesco Finest Restaurant Collection Red Onion & Goats Cheese Tarte Tatin (Bakkavör Meals)

This tarte tatin was praised for offering a good balance of flavours, with a nice use of balsamic and “beautifully” caramelised onions. The crispy puff pastry also scored highly with our judges.

OTHER FINALISTS: Lidl Coquette Quiche Lorraine

CHILLED - SAUSAGES: Tesco Finest British Pork & Melton Red Ale Sausages (Walkers Midshire Foods)

A thoroughly British product. Judges could smell and taste the ale, and appreciated how moist and meaty the sausage was.

OTHER FINALISTS: Lidl Deluxe Irish Premium Pork Sausages (Silver); Sainsbury’s Butcher’s Choice Cumberland Sausages; Tesco Finest British Pork, Shallots & Green Pepper Sausages

CHILLED - SWEET: Asda Extra Special Classic Baked New York Vanilla Cheesecake (Greencore Cakes & Desserts)

This indulgent cheesecake was described as so good it could have been homemade.

OTHER FINALISTS: Sainsbury’s Pecan & Maple Syrup Pudding (Silver); Asda ES Creamy Berry Pannacotta; Morrisons The Best Morello Cherry Pie; Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Heritage Raspberry & Clotted Cream Cheesecake; Tesco Finest Chocolate Brownie Sundae

CHILLED - TRADITIONAL READY MEAL: Asda Chosen By You Ready to Cook Chicken En Croute Vion

This “crowd-pleasingly easy” en croute offered tender chicken in quality pastry.

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda ES Seafood Paella (Silver); Asda ES Italian Style Chicken Milanese; Morrisons M Kitchen Lamb Shank Cacciatore; Tesco Creamy Peppercorn Chicken Kievs; Tesco Finest British Steak Beef Burgers with a Sweet Chilli & Soft Cheese Melt

DAIRY - BUTTER, CREAM & EGGS: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Farmhouse Butter with Cornish Sea Salt (Barber’s Farmhouse Cheesemakers)

As well as impressing the judges with its flavour, our panellists also liked the colour of the butter and the visible salt pieces.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Finest Cornish Clotted Cream (Silver); Aldi Specially Selected Large Free Range Golden Yolked Eggs

DAIRY - DESSERTS: Aldi Gorgeous Gooseberry Fool

This dessert offered a great balance between creaminess, sweetness and tartness and was “full of lovely flavour”, said our judges. It also offered fantastic value for money for what tasted like a premium product, they said.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Lemon Mousse (Silver); Lidl Deluxe Irish Whiskey Cream; Tesco Finest Belgium Chocolate Mousse

DAIRY - YOGHURTS: Asda Chosen By You Pear, Raisin & Cinnamon Yogurt (Yeo Valley)

One judge said this “tasted of Christmas”. A strong cinnamon smell, juicy raisins and a good texture accompanied a great taste.

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda ES Extra Creamy Mango, Papaya & Passion Fruit West Country (Silver); Aldi Brooklea Mango & Passion Fruit Probiotic; Lidl Deluxe Champagne Rhubarb; Lidl Dlx Luxury Madagascan Vanilla

FISH - COATED: Sainsbury’s TTD Melting Middle Smoked Haddock with Cheddar & Leek Fishcakes (Thistle Seafoods)

These offered a melting middle that delivered an excellent sauce, and had a crisp crumb and generous portions of fish pieces.

OTHER FINALISTS: The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Cod and Chorizo Fishcakes (Silver); Aldi Northern Catch Salmon Wellington; Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Beer Battered Chunky Haddock Loins

FISH - WET: Morrisons The Best Rope Hung Smoked Scottish Salmon (Grants Smokehouse)

Praised for its “truly authentic” taste.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Traditional Smoked Salmon Side (Silver); Asda Chosen By You Rainbow Trout with Spinach & Ricotta Stuffinng; Asda Ready to Cook MSC Chilli & Garlic Mackerel Kebabs; Tesco Mackerel Fillets with Green Thai Seasoning

FRESH PRODUCE - FRUIT: Asda Fruit Platter

This pack offered a good selection of fruit that was noted for its quality and fresheness. One of our judges liked that it contained no underripe fruit while another felt the format would be a great way to encourage children to eat fruit.

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda Fresh Tastes Apple, Grapes & Cheese (Silver)

FRESH PRODUCE - VEGETABLES: Lidl Single Clove Garlic Basket

Our panellists were impressed with the innovation this single-clove garlic brought to market and also appreciated its presentation. Just as importantly, it also delivered on avour which, as one of our judges noted, was likely to drive repeat purchase.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Finest Meli Melo Tomatoes (Silver); Sainsbury’s Chilli Plant; Tesco Finest Sweet Mini Peppers; Tesco Just Discovered Forestiere Mushrooms

FROZEN - DESSERTS: Asda Chosen By You Profiterole Gateau (Coppenrath & Wiese)

In addition to great avour and texture - and well-fillled profiteroles, this frozen dessert offered great value, said our judges.

OTHER FINALISTS: Marks & Spencer Key Lime Semi Freddo (Silver); Makro Horeca Select Chocolate Orange Profiterole Cake; Morrisons Raspberry Tart; Tesco Chocolate Fudge Cake

FROZEN - ICE CREAM: Aldi Gianni’s Ice Creams Deluxe Almond Chocsticks (R&R Ice Cream)

At 99p for three sticks, this was praised for offering good value and competing with branded products. The taste was great, and the chocolate didn’t fall off the ice cream.

OTHER FINALISTS: Aldi Gianni’s Ice Creams Sundae Selection (Silver); Aldi Gianni’s Ice Creams Cheeky Monkey Ice Cream; Asda Chosen By You Mini Vanilla Cones

FROZEN - PIZZA: Aldi Specially Selected American Hot Wood Fired Pizza (McEvoy Foods International)

This secured some very high praise from our panellists, with one saying they would be happy to be served this in a restaurant. It offered a wide and interesting range of toppings on a thin, crisp base. “The best homecooked pizza I’ve tasted,” said one.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Pizzeria Stonebaked BBQ Meat Feast Pizza (Silver); Morrisons Extra Thin Tex Mex Pizza

FROZEN - SAVOURY ETHNIC: The Co-operative Chicken Tikka Masala with Pilau Rice (The Authentic Food Company)

This curry offered the heat and sweetness our judges expected and at £1.79 represented outstanding value for money.

OTHER FINALISTS: Lidl Kanpur Garden Mini Indian Snacks (Silver); Iceland Chinese Takeaway Singapore Noodles; Lidl Kanpur Garden Chicken Korma with Pilau Rice

FROZEN - SAVOURY TRADITIONAL RECIPES: Aldi Specially Selected Maris Piper Roast Potatoes in Goose Fat

With excellent aroma and flavour, these were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

OTHER FINALISTS: Iceland Christmas Beef Dripping Yorkshire Puddings (Silver); Aldi Northern Catch Lemon & Pepper Sole Goujons; Lidl Ocean Trader Cod Fillets & Broccoli Mornay; Tesco Finest West Country Cheddar Cheese & Four Nut Roasts

GROCERY - CEREALS: Lidl Deluxe Fruit Granola

This offered a good balance of fruit and seeds, and many panellists enjoyed the cereal’s coconut flavour.

OTHER FINALISTS: Lidl Goody Special Muesli (Silver); Asda Chosen By You Indulgent Treats Apple Crumble & Custard Crunch; Tesco Chocolate Crunch Bites; Tesco Finest Strawberries & Cream Porridge; Tesco Finest Summer Fruit Granola; Waitrose Love Life Bircher Muesli

GROCERY - CONFECTIONERY: Sainsbury’s Chocolate Coated Honeycomb (County Confectionery)

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Finest Swiss Milk Chocolate with Caramelised Fine Walnut Pieces (Silver); Asda free-from Orange Choc Buttons; Morrisons The Best Dark Chocolate with Italian Orange Peel; Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Dark, Milk & White Belgian Assortment; Tesco Mr Messy So Gummy Sweets; Tesco Yogurt Coated Strawberry Bites

GROCERY - COOKING SAUCES: Tesco Finest Tomato & Mascarpone Sauce (Bakkavör)

This cooking sauce did a great job of coating pasta and offered, in the words of one judge, “good solid tomato pieces”. It was also described as being aromatic and tasty.

OTHER FINALISTS: Aldi Specially Selected Dopiaza Sauce (Silver); Sainsbury’s Rogan Josh Curry Sauce; Tesco Barbecue Sauce

GROCERY - CRACKERS & SAVOURY: Aldi Savoury Bakes Crackers

These crackers won many accolades for their crisp, light texture. Judges also appreciated their salty, wheaty flavour, with one of judges declaring: “Simply a great product.”

OTHER FINALISTS: Sainsbury’s Sun ower & Pumpkin Multiseed Flatbread (Silver); Asda Chosen By You Perfect for Sharing Smoky Barbecue Flavour Triangles; Marks & Spencer Multiseed Tortillas

GROCERY - CRISPS: Tesco Finest Restaurant Collection Hand Cooked Hoisin Duck Crisps (Burts Potato Chips)

These crisps brought true flavour innovation to the market - looking great and offering an authentic flavour.

OTHER FINALISTS: The Co-op Truly Irresistible Sea Salt and Chardonnay Wine Vinegar Crisps (Silver); Aldi Finlays Pigs in Blanket Sausage and Bacon Flavour Potato Crisps; Tesco Finest Rest. Coll. Hand Cooked Goats Cheese & Sticky Chilli Jam Crisps

GROCERY - JAMS & CONSERVES: Tesco Bramley Apple Sauce (Premier Foods)

Apple sauces took Gold and Silver in this year’s category, with Tesco pipping Aldi to the top spot. Our judges liked the fact the sauce wasn’t too sweet and offered decent chunks of fruit.

OTHER FINALISTS: Aldi Bramwells Chunky Apple Sauce (Silver); Morrisons Lime Marmalade; Tesco Finest Ginger Preserve

GROCERY - KETCHUP & RELISHES: Tesco Ingredients Hoisin Sauce (English Provender Co)

The rich, strong avours of this were more traditional than many hoisin sauces on the market, said our judges, and weren’t too sweet. The consistency also won praise.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Finest Pickled Pearl Onions with White Balsamic Vinegar (Silver); Aldi Bramwells Tomato Ketchup; Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Chilli Jelly; Tesco Mint Sauce

GROCERY - MAYONNAISE & OIL: The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Basil infused Olive Oil (Princes Foods)

Before they tasted it, the aroma of this oil had won over many judges, with one declaring it smelt “like you’ve just crushed a basil leaf”. The flavour was just as impressive.

OTHER FINALISTS: Sainsbury’s Mayonnaise (Silver); Aldi Bramwells Garlic Flavoured Mayo; Aldi Specially Selected Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Tesco Finest Roasted Garlic & Herb Mayo

GROCERY - PARTY FOOD: Morrisons Southern Fried Variety Box Golden Foods (Europe)

The flavour was a hit and the texture of the chicken was also praised by our panellists.

OTHER FINALISTS: Morrisons M Kitchen Mini Fish & Chips with Mushy Peas (Silver); Aldi Oakhurst BBQ Style Pork Mini Ribs; Morrisons The Best Frozen Mini British Steak & Ale Pies; Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Party Aberdeen Angus Burgers

GROCERY - SAVOURY: Aldi Fiesta Fajita Dinner Kit

Our judges felt the sauce in this kit offered a sweet-tasting spin on Mexican food, finishing with a good spicy note. The tortillas had a nice texture and the whole package was held up as offering excellent value.

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Finest Basmati Rice (Silver); Asda Chosen By You Mexican Style Enchilada Dinner Kit; Sainsbury’s Chicken Korma; Tesco Finest Baked Beans in Rich Italian Tomato Sauce

GROCERY - SOUP: Sainsbury’s Roasted Vegetable, Tomato & Olive Soup (Greencore)

OTHER FINALISTS: Lidl Deluxe Seafood Chowder (Silver); Aldi Soupreme Specially Selected Wild Mushroom Soup; Asda Chosen By You White Vegetable & Cheddar Soup; Asda ES Smoked Haddock Soup; Sainbury’s Chicken Arrabbiata Meal Soup; Sainsbury’s Chicken & Vegetable Broth

MEAT & POULTRY - JOINTS: Morrisons Dry Aged Fillet Steak (Woodheads Bros/Wm Morrisons Supermarkets)

Our judges appreciated that Morrisons had brought something “new and different” to the market - with one describing it “pricey but worth it”. The steak was full of flavour and had a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

OTHER FINALISTS: Lidl Hazelmeade Farm Applewood Smoked Pork Loin Joint (Silver); Asda Ready to Roast Gammon Joint; Tesco British Medium Chicken

MEAT & POULTRY - PREPARED: Asda Easy Carve Ready to Roast Butter Basted Chicken Breast Joint with Cheddar Cheese & Ham Crust (Vion)

OTHER FINALISTS: Tesco Simply Cook Pork Belly with Oriental Honey Drizzle (Silver); Asda Butcher’s Selection Lamb Chump Steaks with Garlic & Rosemary Butter; Tesco British Tandoori Basted Chicken with Spicy Sprinkle; Tesco Simply Cook Garlic & Herb spatchcock chicken

MEAT & POULTRY - STUFFED & THE CHAIRMAN’S AWARD: Tesco Finest Extra Matured Norfolk Pork Crown Joint (Cranswick Country Foods)

This stunning crown joint had won over our judges on looks alone, with many impressed by its presentation. And its beauty was more than skin deep, with fantastic quality and flavour. Not only was it judged the best stuffed meat or poultry product, it also secured the Chairman’s Award for the most outstanding product of the 751 entries.

“This would bring real theatre to any dinner table - it tastes great and offers incredible value,” said The Grocer’s editor and awards chairman Adam Leyland. “Consumers and experts were blown away by this compelling combination: intention to purchase post-trial in the Cambridge Market Research trials was off the scale.”

OTHER FINALISTS: Asda Pork Ready to Roast Loin Joint (Silver); Asda Butcher’s Selection Mini Pork Belly Joints With Apricot & Coriander Stuffing; Asda Xmas Range Turkey Lattice Joint with Sage & Onion Stuffing