Iconic Bettys wins gold for Harrogate in Great British Food Awards

Bettys biscuits are officially the best in the UK after the Harrogate firm won gold at the annual Great British Food Awards.

The iconic Harrogate business’s triumph came in the annual Great British Food Awards in London for the same delicious recipe they have being crafting for the last 40 years.

Coming out tops in the Sweet Biscuits Category were Bettys’ Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits, which are made with real butter and boast almost a century of baking knowhow to create a perfectly rich, melt-in-the-mouth biscuits.

Gavin Johnson, Head of Bakery Operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: ‘We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.

"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.

"Most importantly, the award belongs to talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.

"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations.”

The Great British Food Awards were first launched in 2014 to celebrate the very best artisanal produce in the food and drink industry.

The judging panel comprises some of the most acclaimed chefs, food critics and influencers in the country, and each product undergoes a rigorous judging process before the winners are crowned.

The Sweet Biscuits Category was judged by Cherish Finden, best known for being a judge on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals.

Cherish hailed Bettys’ Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits, saying they were “a well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste.

"The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.

"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea. Love it!’”

Typically, only around the top 10% of entries win gold at the Great British Food Awards, which makes Bettys win a very special achievement, indeed.