QsCast

QsCast | Episode 5: A Guided Tasting with Winnie’s Original

In this episode, we sit down with Don, the founder and creative force behind Winnie’s Original who were crowned Small Producer of the Year in 2024. We’ll hear a bit about Don’s story and journey of Winnie’s original that started with a spark from his family heritage, and the journey to becoming an award winning producer today.
And today, we’re not just talking about these flavours—we’re tasting them. In this special episode, we are joined by 4 of our expert judges; Sergey, Susan, Olivia and Ekta, live in the studio for a guided tasting of standout products from the Winnie’s range.
So settle in and get ready. This is a story of heritage, passion, and flavour without boundaries… and we can’t wait to share it with you.
 
 

QsCast | Episode 4: Menopause Matters - How Diet Can Make a Difference

Introducing QsCast, the brand new podcast brought to you by the Quality Food Awards, the longest running, most prestigious awards in the UK food and drink industry.
Our latest episode of QsCast is hosted by the Quality Food Awards Brand Director, Beth Treleaven. In this episode, Beth is joined by Fiona Staunton - owner of Fiona's Food For Life and one of our longest-standing Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards judges.
In this episode Beth and Fiona discuss the menopause, in honour of Menopause Awareness Month, and how the symptoms of menopause can be alleviated through a healthy diet.
Fiona shares her personal experiences and her top tips on how, without making any radical lifestyle changes, women can make some simple, practical dietary changes to support their health during menopause.
Head over to the Quality Food Awards website to download your free Menu Planner download and three delicious, nutritional recipes to help you to get started on your own journey:
Chocolate seed bar
Lentil Salad
Edamame, pea and mint salad
 

QsCast | Episode 3: Conversations on Chocolate - A Guided Tasting

Introducing QsCast, the brand new podcast brought to you by the Quality Food Awards, the longest running, most prestigious awards in the UK food and drink industry.
Our latest episode of QsCast is hosted by Chair of Judges Simon Wright. In this episode, Simon is joined by:
Beth Treleaven: Director of the Quality Food Awards
Ella Jackson: Marketing and Content Manager, Quality Food Awards
Beth Jordan: Event Co-ordinator, Quality Food Awards
In this episode, the panel discuss one of the nation's favourite foods - chocolate.
As well as being Chair of Judges at the Quality Food Awards, Simon Wright oversaw the launch of Green & Black’s, including the UK’s first certified Fairtrade chocolate bar, Maya Gold. Simon is also a member of the Academy of Chocolate.
Join us as we explore five different types of chocolate:
M&S Madagascan vanilla White Chocolate | 30% cocoa 
M&S single origin Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate | 42% cocoa | Peru
Cadbury's Dairy Milk Chocolate | 20% minimum cocoa
M&S single origin Dark Milk Chocolate | 54% coca | Dominican Republic
M&S single origin Dark Chocolate | 75% cocoa | Ecuador
Discover:
The ingredients and processes that make these types of chocolate so different
What to consider when buying chocolate
How to assess the Quality of chocolate by its appearance, touch, snap, aroma, mouthfeel and aftertaste
You may wish to purchase these products and try them as you tune in! Please find the links below:
M&S Madagascan vanilla White Chocolate
M&S single origin Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate
Cadbury's Dairy Milk Chocolate
M&S single origin Dark Milk Chocolate
M&S single origin Dark Chocolate

QsCast | Episode 2: Innovating Food

Welcome to QsCast, the brand new podcast brought to you by the Quality Food Awards, the longest running, most prestigious awards in the UK food and drink industry.
In our second episode of QsCast, Chair of Judges Simon Wright is joined by Charles Banks of thefoodpeople. Together they discuss what it means to be innovative in the ever-evolving UK food industry and what our judging panel look for when judging how innovative a food product is.
We are excited to introduce our brand new Innovation of the Year category. Throughout the judging process, all entries in this year's Qs will automatically be considered for this category. Our judges will identify our entrants' products that they consider to be particularly innovative and advance them to a final round of judging. The winner of this prestigious accolade will be announced at our awards ceremony in the Autumn.

QsCast | Episode 1: Perfecting Your Entry

Introducing QsCast, the brand new podcast brought to you by the Quality Food Awards, the longest running, most prestigious awards in the UK food and drink industry.
Our first episode of QsCast is hosted by Chair of Judges Simon Wright. In this episode, Simon is joined by:
Gavin Hands; Strategic Business Growth Specialist
Anthony Hester; Food and Beverage Director
Jonathan Richer; Meat and Ingredients Consultant
Tara Taylor; Founder of award-winning Good Grain Bakery
Dominic Weaver; Food & Drink Journalist
 In this episode, the panel discuss their inside tips and tricks on how to put together a Quality Food Awards entry that does your product justice.
Later in the episode, the panel share some of their favourite products from previous years and what they’re excited to see in this year’s judging.