Riverford’s Valor potatoes and Isle of Wight tomatoes were recognised in the annual awards, alongside a software company helping new veg box start-ups
Spinach, potatoes and software allowing new veg box companies to set up were among the fresh produce business winners at this year’s organic market awards, known as the BOOMs.
Run by certification scheme Soil Association, the BOOMs recognise excellence across the organic market, from food, supply chain, retail as well as newer categories including beauty and fashion.
Announced by TV personality Andy Clarke at an event held last week in Bristol, the night celebrated winners from over 400 initial entries across 39 categories.
The food and drink winners were blind tasted by judges, including former MasterChef winner Brin Parathapan, food writer Xanthe Clay and Bake Off contestant and presenter Briony May Williams.
Organic veg box company Riverford won the Best Fresh Produce category for its organic true spinach, as well as being highly commended for its organic Valor potatoes, alongside Isle of Wight organic tomatoes.
The gong for Best Organic Supply Network was received by software company Growing Good Technology, which helps veg box start-ups with website design, box planning and logistics.
Highly commended in the same category was the Give Peas a Chance! project, which has helped get organic peas into schools in Aberdeenshire. The project is a partnership between pea producer Phil Swire of Balmakewan Farm, the Soil Association in Scotland and public catering suppliers.
Wholesaler Organic North and pulse supplier Hodmedod were also recognised in the category.
Organic Champion was presented to Sean Ruffell, managing director at Organic North, with recognition for Bryce Cunningham of Mossgiel Organic, George Bennett of Sandy Lane Farm and Growing Good, and Joanna Wright of Organic Blooms.
Soil Association’s commercial and marketing director, Georgia Phillips, said: “The judging process was rigorous, and the finalists and winners deserve glowing recognition for being selected as the best that the UK organic market has to offer.
“The future is bright for the organic sector, with organic farming directly meeting consumer demands for products that address carbon emissions and biodiversity whilst also supporting our health.”
Simon Hinks, product director at Ocado, which sponsors the BOOMs, said: “As a retailer that over-trades in organic, we recognise the importance of securing a robust and growing pool of organic suppliers.”
The awards come as the UK organic market continues to significantly outperform non-organic with the market growing 7.3 per cent in 2024, and 10 per cent over 12 weeks, with unit sales up 4.8 per cent. The full list of winners can be found here.
