Maria Whitehead MBE, co-founder of Hawkshead Relish, has been recognised with one of the highest accolades in the food and drink world, the Golden Fork Award for Contribution to Food & Drink, presented by the Guild of Fine Food at last night’s Golden Fork Awards.

The Golden Forks are held annually to celebrate the very best in food and drink from around the globe. This year’s ceremony took place at Battersea Arts Centre on Tuesday, 9th September 2025, bringing together nominees across 16 categories, including recipients being recognised with judges' special awards on the night.

On receiving her special award, Maria Whitehead MBE said: ‘’I’m shocked, surprised, and extremely honoured. It’s not just about me; this is recognition for our whole team, who do a fantastic job. It’s 20 years since we won the Speciality Producer of the Year Award, so it feels like a lovely full circle moment.’’

Great Taste Awards Chairman of Judges, broadcaster, and food & drink champion Nigel Barden said: ‘’Some people are natural radiators, exuding positivity wherever they go. Maria Whitehead is one of them. From welcoming guests in her Hawkshead café to creating award-winning jams, chutneys and preserves, Maria has always poured energy and optimism into her work.

When Covid shut the doors, she and her husband Mark pivoted online, turning a barn on the shores of Esthwaite Water into a powerhouse producing 6,000 jars a day. Along the way, Hawkshead Relish has collected more than 80 Great Taste Awards, a testament to the quality behind the name.

Maria’s impact on food and drink has been recognised with an MBE and a place in the Family Business Top 100. She is an incredible ambassador for Cumbria, in fact, remarkable full stop, making even the Duracell Bunny seem pedestrian.

Now, after 26 years, Maria and ‘the Gandalf of preserves,’ Mark, are passing the business to their daughters, Izzy and Abbie, alongside MD Jonathan Robb. Maria will remain involved, while also embracing new adventures: writing more cookbooks, travelling, enjoying her grandchild, and exploring her newly discovered Spanish heritage.

It is a true pleasure to present the Guild of Fine Food’s Outstanding Contribution Award to one of Southport’s finest exports – the brilliant Maria Whitehead.”

The 2025 Great Taste Awards saw a record-breaking 14,340 product entries, meticulously assessed over 110 days by a panel of more than 500 industry experts — including chefs, critics, food technologists, retailers, and writers. From this rigorous process, judges awarded 3,899 one-star, 1,508 two-star, and just 273 three-star distinctions, highlighting only the very best of the best.

Widely regarded as the world’s most influential food and drink accreditation, Great Taste has built its reputation over more than 30 years thanks to its credibility and the integrity of its multi-layered judging process.