Welsh food and drink businesses are marking a landmark year of achievement after securing 169 accolades at the Great Taste Awards 2026 — one of the world’s most respected blind‑tasted food and drink competitions.

The results reinforce Wales’ growing reputation as a nation producing exceptional, globally recognised food and drink, with wins spanning artisan cheese, speciality coffee and premium ingredients.

A record year for Welsh excellence

This year’s awards saw 125 Welsh products earn 1‑star recognition, 36 receive 2‑stars, and eight achieve the coveted 3‑star rating reserved for products judged ‘exquisite and extraordinary’. They were selected from more than 15,000 entries across 116 countries, each assessed through rigorous blind tasting by chefs, buyers, writers and industry specialists.

Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, said the results highlight the “exceptional quality, passion and innovation” driving Wales’ food and drink sector. He added that the awards “open doors to new markets and strengthen Wales’ reputation internationally.”

Caws Teifi Cheese: four decades of craft rewarded

Ceredigion‑based Caws Teifi Cheese secured three 2‑star awards for its Teifi Heritage, Celtic Promise and Teifi Mature cheeses — a significant achievement for one of Wales’ pioneering organic cheesemakers.

Rob Savage, owner of Caws Teifi, said the recognition was especially meaningful because Great Taste judges focus solely on flavour: “As a small‑scale Welsh producer, we’re dedicated to handmade cheeses that reflect our home, our craft and our values. These awards show that Welsh food continues to stand proudly alongside the best in the world.”

Tired Mums Coffee: small business, big impact

Wrexham‑based Tired Mums Coffee celebrated its strongest awards performance to date, earning a 2‑star award for its ‘Nobody’s Listening To Me’ blend and a 1‑star award for ‘Are You Sure It’s Decaf?’.

Founder Laura Peill said the recognition was a milestone for the young business: “Winning two Great Taste Awards is an incredible honour. As an independent Welsh company, it means so much to see our coffees recognised on a national stage.”

The brand’s ethos — ethically sourced blends designed for busy lives, with a portion of sales supporting parent wellbeing — continues to resonate with customers across the UK.

Wales heads to the Golden Fork Awards

Three Welsh 3‑star products have been shortlisted for the Great Taste Golden Fork from Wales, sponsored by Food & Drink Wales:

1. Passion Fruit Sorbet from Fire and Ice
2. 100% Grass‑fed Leg of Welsh Lamb from Hindwell Farm Meats
3. Enchilada Paste from Kursat’s

The winner will be announced at the Great Taste Golden Fork Awards on 15 September at Battersea Arts Centre, before competing for the overall Great Taste Supreme Champion title.

The awards strengthen Wales’ position as a dynamic, diverse and high‑quality food and drink nation, supporting export growth through international recognition, market confidence for retailers and buyers, brand visibility for small and medium producers and consumer trust in Welsh provenance and quality

They also spotlight the breadth of Welsh innovation — from heritage cheesemaking to modern speciality coffee and globally inspired ingredients.