Inclusive New Forest kitchen celebrates Gold at the Great British Food Awards

Neuro disabled cook, Chelsea, recieving Great British Food award from Chef Paul A Young.

19 October 2026

Real Jam & Chutney Company is celebrating after their Gold and Bronze win at the Great British Food Awards 2026. 

The New Forest kitchen took home Gold for its Tutti Frutti Jam, while its Hot Smoked Tomato Relish was awarded Bronze, recognising both the sweet and savoury sides of its handmade range. 

A team from Real Jam & Chutney Company travelled to London for the awards celebration at Spitalfields Market, including Service Delivery Lead, Katie Turner, supported cook, Chelsea and a member of the wider team. They joined food and drink producers from across the country to celebrate some of the best products entered this year.  

More than 3,000 products were entered across 60 categories, with the afternoon celebrating regional winners and some of the best food and drink being produced around the UK. 

Real Jam & Chutney Company became part of Minstead Trust in 2022. The social enterprise creates opportunities for people with neuro disabilities to gain work experience, develop new skills and build their independence as part of a working food production team. 

People bring different skills and strengths to every stage of making the preserves, from preparing ingredients and helping with production to filling, jarring and getting products ready to sell. Chelsea, who attended the awards celebration, is particularly known for her skill in filling and jarring the products. 

Chelsea said: 

‘I had a really good day yesterday – the best bit was winning the award and trying lots of new food I never tried before. I’m quite proud we won.’ 

Katie Turner, Service Delivery Lead at Real Jam & Chutney Company, said: 

‘We put a lot of care into every batch we make, so it means a great deal to see both products recognised in this way. To come away with Gold and Bronze is a brilliant result for the whole team, and a real reflection of the work that goes into what we make.’ 

For the team, the awards are a chance to see the care, skill and effort that goes into every jar recognised beyond the kitchen. Gold for Tutti Frutti Jam and Bronze for Hot Smoked Tomato Relish are achievements everyone involved can share in.