The organic industry's top stars met at London's swanky Great Eastern Hotel for the Soil Associations food awards on October 19.
David Dimbleby addressed the competitors after a team of 50 judges including Antonio Carluccio, actor Peter York, Sophie Grigson and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, had tasted more than 1,000 entries and visited organic shops across the country.
Meanwhile, Kite's Nest Farm boss Richard Young swooped home in the Organic Trophy 2001, for making the most significant contribution to the organic movement last year.
Peter Molesworth, of Berkshire's Sheepgrove Organic Farm and Nigel Elgar of the Cannon Farm Partnership were joint winners in the producer of the year category.
And the indecision continued into the fresh fruit and vegetable categories where the panel could not choose between Riverford Organic's Deidre Makepeace's leeks and her Cos lettuce.
It was a stunning day in the capital for Makepeace who also received highly commended ratings for her chard, Hispi cabbage, kohlrabi, and pak choi.
Sainsbury's Jane Carter picked up a highly commended accolade for her watercress, spinach and rocket salad, while Buckland Filleigh's Jane Bartlett scooped a similar award for her salad bag.
Enjoying the event, Soil Association chiefs said the awards played a great part in recognising the hard work the organic industry does every year.
Director Patrick Holden said: 'The organic food awards recognise the best in British organic food and drink from the small farm with a box scheme to large nation-wide companies. They also provide a platform for raising the profile of organic food and farming with the public and increase awareness, both locally and nationally, of the vital links between organic food, health, environment and the community.'
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