Charles Campion wins Great taste Award for contribution to fine food
Charles Campion, acclaimed food writer, broadcaster and Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, has received the Contribution to Fine Food Award at the prestigious Great Taste Awards, held on 2nd September 2018 at the InterContinental Park Lane, London. This special award, introduced for the first time this year, recognises a knowledgeable and influential figure who effectively promotes small-scale producers of high quality foods.
Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted awards programme in the food sector. Hosted by the Guild of Fine Food, its panel of judges is comprised of 500 food experts including chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers.
With more than two decades of World Cheese Awards and Great Taste judging experience, Charles Campion has blind-tasted thousands of products for the world’s most coveted food awards, believing strongly in the value of constructive feedback to help producers refine their food and drink offerings. Having had a hand in awarding so many Golden Forks in years gone by, it is fitting that he should be the recipient of the first award for Contribution to Fine Food.
John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, explains: “There is an increasing emphasis on celebrity in food and, I’m afraid, that’s combined with naivety as to where it comes from, what seasons mean and how varieties and breeds make a difference. Experts like Charles are a rare thing, as he does understand how our food and drink should be made, and his veracity needs to be celebrated. As this emphasis on celebrity rises in food and drink, there is a risk that such genuine knowledge amongst critics, food writers and journalists will fade, resulting in an ignorance about food and where it comes from, so sources of food knowledge like Charles need to be recognised, revered and rewarded for their contribution. We’re absolutely delighted to present this award to Charles and hope that it inspires our industry to preserve the authenticity that lies at the heart of fine food.”
In recent years Charles has been a prominent supporter of Northern Irish food producers. Working with Food NI, he has been helping to bring outstanding food from Northern Ireland to an international audience, as well as leading food tours across the province for leading food writers and chefs. As Charles comments: “When comes to food and drink, (and particularly locally produced food and drink), Northern Ireland punches way above its weight. The province has the benefit of a strong farming community and a restaurant sector that is steaming ahead. The third side of the triangle is an increasingly knowledgeable and demanding customer base. The result is foodie heaven – the best beef in the world; fresh seafood; artisan butter; innovative gins; wheaten breads. Just some of a range of NI products that are all world class.”