Contribution to Fine Food award presented to Charles Campion

Esteemed food writer and restaurant critic, Charles Campion was presented with a Contribution to Fine Food award last night at the Great Taste Golden Fork Dinner, a special trophy introduced this year to recognise a knowledgeable individual who promotes small food producers with integrity.

With more than two decades of World Cheese Awards and Great Taste judging experience, Charles Campion has blind-tasted thousands of products for the world’s most coveted food awards, believing strongly in the value of constructive feedback to help producers refine their food and drink offerings. Having had a hand in awarding so many Golden Forks in years gone by, Charles was presented with his own award by the Guild of Fine Food, at the Great Taste Golden Fork Dinner held on Sunday 2 September at the InterContinental Park Lane Hotel, London, where over 350 guests from the world of fine food gathered to celebrate the grand finale of Great Taste 2018.

John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, organisers of Great Taste, explains:

“There is an increasing emphasis on celebrity in food and, I’m afraid, that’s combined with naivety as to where it comes from, what seasons mean and how varieties and breeds make a difference. Experts like Charles are a rare thing, as he does understand how our food and drink should be made, and his veracity needs to be celebrated. As this emphasis on celebrity rises in food and drink, there is a risk that such genuine knowledge amongst critics, food writers and journalists will fade, resulting in an ignorance about food and where it comes from, so sources of food knowledge like Charles need to be recognised, revered and rewarded for their contribution. We’re absolutely delighted to present this award to Charles and hope that it inspires our industry to preserve the authenticity that lies at the heart of fine food.”

For more information on Great Taste, visit greattasteawards.co.uk.