Pidy has won a Chefs’ Choice Award for its The Black Mussel Shell canapé case – another sign of growing interest in charcoal as a bakery ingredient.

The Black Mussel Shell won the Party and Buffet Foods category in the awards, which are organised by British Baker publisher William Reed Business Media in association with Food Innovation Solution and Good Sense Research. The awards are designed to showcase and celebrate the work of foodservice suppliers, from wholesalers through to manufacturers.

The Black Mussel case was recognised by a panel of judges at the event, including food technologists, chefs and food development managers for national pub chains.

“Not only does it tick the boxes in terms of taste and quality but it is truly innovative in every way,” said Pidy general manager Robert Whittle.

“It is such a triumph to win a Chefs’ Choice Award, particularly for one of our new products. It really endorses the fantastic product that the Black Mussel Shell is.”

Pidy described the use of charcoal in the case as “on-trend”, and its victory in the Chefs’ Choice Awards follows Bakkavor launching a charcoal-based pizza base into Waitrose stores.

Chefs’ Choice Winners

The full list of 2018 Chefs’ Choice winners is:

  • Product of the Year Froneri – Mövenpick Cinnamon Ice Cream
  • Biscuits and Crackers Booker – Chef’s Larder Premium Gourmet Crackers
  • Bread and Morning Goods Bidfood – Premium Selection Jalapeño and Cheddar Bloomer
  • Cakes Bidfood – Premium Selection Persian Love Loaf Cake
  • Cheese Booker – Chef’s Larder Tuxford and Tebbutt Blue Stilton
  • Crisps and Nuts Pipers Crisp Co – Atlas Mountains Wild Thyme and Rosemary
  • Finished Desserts Brioche Pasquier UK – Tartelette au Citron Meringuée
  • Fish and Shellfish Brakes – Scottish MSC Mussels in a Tomato Chorizo & Smoked Paprika Sauce
  • Hot Beverages Booker – Lichfields Fairtrade Gourmet Espresso Beans
  • Ice Cream Froneri – Mövenpick Cinnamon Ice Cream
  • Meat and Poultry Booker – BlackGate Signature Half Striploin
  • Party and Buffet Foods Pidy UK – Mussel Shell Black
  • Potato Booker – Chef’s Larder Premium Extra Chunky Gourmet Chips
  • Products Sold as Free-From Brakes – Gluten Free Pigs in Blankets
  • Ready Meals Bidfood – Premium Selection Honey Root Vegetable and Quinoa Burger
  • Sauces and Condiments Booker – Chef’s Larder Sriracha Sauce
  • Stock and Store Cupboard Essential Cuisine – Asian Aromatic Stock Base
  • Chefs’ Choice Award for Innovation Prima Foods UK – Gluten Free Choux Pastry Mix