The Great Taste Awards are judged by 144 of the most discerning palates, belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, buyers, retailers and producers, as well as food writers and journalists, Great Taste is the most trusted of all food and drink awards. As well as a badge of honour, the unmistakeable black and gold Great Taste label is a signpost to an outstanding product, which has been discovered through hours and hours of blind tasting.
Luisa speaking on her win stated:
“This is an honour for me, but more importantly, great beans make great chocolate, and all these awards are down to our brilliant farmers that we work directly with across the globe to source the finest quality cacao. I have won these awards for the farmers, as they are the driving force behind all our products, and it is so important that we celebrate them with these awards.”
Luisa's Vegan ChocolatesLuisa also expressed the importance of her discovering the microbiology behind what exactly makes a ‘great bean’:
“We travelled to Colombia to investigate, using techniques such as DNA sequencing, and fed back our research to the farmers with processes they can implement into their cacao cultivation to ensure they get a good quality crop each time. For these good quality beans, they can get paid at least double the standard market rate. We have already paid 69% more! The awards we have won are proof that using knowledge and education, we can achieve great beans and make great chocolate, AND empower farmers around the whole world!”
Luisa's Vegan ChocolatesRead more about the delicious chocolates awarded these prestigious stars below:
The 66% Colombian, Carmen’s Farm – 2* “Its crack was satisfying but not as happiness inducing as the taste - those deep cherry notes sing in your head. You are drawn from the cherry, to the husk of toasted hazelnuts and then the finish is dry and fruity once more. An absolutely delicious chocolate.”
The 75% Solomon Islands – 2* “An Arabic date flavour hits after the citrus and cocoa flavours. A delicious, smooth chocolate with a dry finish that rewards those who wait.”
The 72% Madagascan – 2* “Fruity fresh aroma. Excellent creamy mouthfeel and good melt with the flavour profile releasing great balance with fruity, rich chocolate notes to the fore.”
The 66% Colombian, Yanira’s Farm – 1* “A beautiful bar of chocolate, very well tempered with a stunning shine. Creamy in texture with a complexity of flavours - easy to eat, yet deliciously rich.”
The 72% Vanuatu – 1* “Sweet cherry notes on the nose. Good snap. The subtle flavours of this chocolate are really clever, and you do get the fruity cherry and toffee caramel notes towards the end.”
Lastly, the White Casholate Matcha Green Tea – 1* “A striking looking bar. Pleasant creamy texture. We all enjoyed the delicate, slightly bitter notes from the matcha tea. There was also some considerable length.”
