28th July 2026
Sweet and Savoury (North East) Ltd, the Consett-based artisan popcorn manufacturer, has been awarded a prestigious 3-star rating at the Great Taste awards for its Chocolate Orange gourmet popcorn — placing it among the top tier of speciality food and drink products in the UK this year.
Run by the Guild of Fine Food, Great Taste is one of the most rigorous food accreditation schemes in the industry, where products are blind-tasted by a panel of more than 500 judges, including chefs, restaurateurs and food writers, with 3-star ratings reserved for products judged as truly exceptional.
The winning Chocolate Orange popcorn is produced using air-popped mushroom corn to hold coatings evenly and deliver a satisfying texture, with the kernels then hand-coated in freshly made caramel, before real Belgian chocolate and natural orange flavouring are added to create the finished product.
All the company’s popcorn is made by hand by its six-strong team, using traditional artisan popping kettles and caramelisers rather than automated mass-production methods with this approach underpinning the company’s full range of gourmet and seasoned popcorn ranges.
It’s an achievement that echoes Consett’s proud history as a home of nationally loved snack brands, with Sweet and Savoury (North East) carrying that legacy forward with its own award-winning products made just a stone’s throw from the site of the world-famous Phileas Fogg brand.
Matty Graham, owner of Sweet and Savoury (North East) Ltd, commented: “We had thought about entering the Great Taste awards for a while now so to come away with a three-star award with our first entry since 2019 is hugely satisfying and a credit to the team who produce our popcorn.
“Our aim has always been to make popcorn that feels genuinely indulgent without pricing it as an occasional luxury so this award is validation that you don’t have to compromise on quality or craft to keep a product accessible and it reflects the skill and care our small team puts into every batch.”
Sweet and Savoury (North East) Ltd traces its origins to 2008, when it was established as the Consett Popcorn Company. It was acquired by its current ownership team in 2018, who have since expanded its flavour range and customer base considerably.
The business now supplies an eclectic mix of channels, including award-winning farm shops and delis, independent cinemas and theatres, Michelin Key hotels, and a network of leading vending retailers.
The company positions itself distinctly from premium competitors by focusing on accessible everyday indulgence and offering a luxury eating experience at a price point designed for regular purchase rather than occasional treat status.
Sweet and Savoury North East’s Chocolate Orange popcorn is available to trade buyers across retail, hospitality, leisure and vending channels.