The Michelin Star of Ice Cream: The Ice Cream Alliance Launches the Inaugural The Golden Scoop Awards

Do you have what it takes to win The Golden Scoop Awards, the ultimate recognition for the best ice cream in the UK?

This exciting new award, launched by The Ice Cream Alliance, gives ice cream businesses across the country a national platform to showcase what they do best.

“The Golden Scoop Award is designed to be the trusted guide for consumers seeking the very best ice cream the UK has to offer,” says Catherine McNeil, Director of Operations at The Ice Cream Alliance. “It’s also a platform that will inspire businesses to push boundaries and innovate.”

Participants can enter multiple categories for a chance at the coveted Golden Scoop National Champion title. Entrants achieving at least 85% of the top score will also earn a 1–5 star rating, a mark of excellence for the general public’s recognition.

Members of The Ice Cream Alliance can enter free of charge, as part of the organisation’s mission to strengthen the industry and foster collaboration among communities.

The awards are sponsored by leading brands including Cadbury, British Sugar, Flora Food Group, Lakeland Dairies, and Tetra Pak, ensuring maximum visibility for winners.

Scott Sutton, Commercial Director of British Sugar says, “We are delighted to sponsor this rejuvenated competition as we continue to support the UK’s Ice Cream Industry.”

Entries will be blind judged by a panel of expert and experienced tasters who will evaluate each entry based on appearance, texture, body, flavour and palatability. Judges include Simon Tasker (Technical Expert), Fabiano Franzoso (Independent Gelato Chef & Winner of the UK Gelato Festival World Masters 2021), Jonny Ireland (Technical Expert), Josef Boni (Ice Cream Expert), and Joanne Brind (Product Developer in chilled deserts for Sainsbury’s).

Josef Boni says, “Alongside my fellow expert judges, I will be looking out for the correct characteristics such as a smooth texture, pleasant melt, perfect balance in flavours whilst also recognising negative traits such as ice crystals or a coarse texture. I champion innovation and artistic flair along with the correct techniques in ice cream making.”

Competition categories include timeless favourites like Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry and Soft Serve, whilst incorporating trending flavours in their Pistachio Category, as well as encouraging inspirations in their Innovative,Open Flavour and Newcomer Classes.

Key Dates:

• Entries Close: 1st December 2025
• Sample Drop-Off: 5th January 2026
• Winners Announced: 5th March 2026 at the Ice Cream Industry Awards Night

Find out more and enter at goldenscoop.co.uk

Find out more here: http://goldenscoop.co.uk/