Ice cream makers across the UK are being invited to put their creations to the test as the Golden Scoop Awards return for 2027.
Organised by the Ice Cream Alliance, the awards give ice cream artisans of all sizes the opportunity to gain expert recognition, receive constructive feedback and compete against the best of the best in the industry.
Following the inaugural awards in 2026, the competition will once again search for the country’s best ice cream, with one business receiving the top title of Golden Scoop National Champion.
Catherine McNeil, Director of Operations at the Ice Cream Alliance, said: “The Golden Scoop Awards give ice cream businesses an opportunity to put their products in front of respected industry experts and receive recognition for the skill and care that goes into every scoop.
Whether you have been producing ice cream for generations or have only recently entered the industry, we want to encourage you to take part. Entering can help strengthen your reputation, raise your profile and give customers another reason to choose your products.”
Entries are blind judged, and are evaluated on three key areas:
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Appearance
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Texture and body
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Flavour and palatability
Class winners are determined by the highest combined score from the judging panel. Eligible entries can also receive a rating of between one and five stars, providing businesses with an independent mark of quality that can be displayed across packaging, menus, websites, social media and marketing materials.
Every entrant will receive detailed feedback from the judges, offering practical insight into the strengths of their product and where further improvements could be made. Winners will also receive promotional materials and support to help them share their achievement with customers and the media.
The final list of 2027 categories and full compositional rules will be available through the Golden Scoop Awards website.
Categories include:
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Classic flavours including Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry and Pistachio
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Open Flavour
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Open Sorbet
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Innovative Ice Cream
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Newcomer
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Signature Soft Serve
Key Dates
Entries Open: NOW
Entries Close: 1st December 2026
Sample Drop-Off: 22nd February 2027
Winners Announced: 16th March 2027 at the Ice Cream Alliance Awards Night
Businesses interested in entering can find updates, competition rules and registration information at goldenscoop.co.uk.
