The friendly spiritedly competition saw all six of Fudge Kitchen’s high-street shops offering up two new fudges in a hope theirs would be selected for nationwide launch.
This year’s judging took place at the company’s production kitchen in Aylesham, Kent on 15 January, with Food Manufacture taking part alongside Simply Ice Cream’s head of sales, the founder of Dunk Cookies, and several experienced fudge makers.
The fudges were a rainbow of 12 sweet and quirky slabs from Tiramisu to Tequlia Rose, London Fog, Cherry Lemonade, Speculoos Cheesecake, and even Strawberry Trifle. The judging panel scored them against a range of criteria, including practicality, taste and texture, visual appeal, and whether it met the brief of ‘limited-edition, seasonal fudge’.
After a morning of tasting and debating, Strawberry Rose, created by the Windsor team took home the win.
The baby pink fudge, interspersed with decorative chunks of strawberry, offered up a tasty pairing and was deemed to be a great fit for Valentine’s Day.
“Strawberry Rose feels elegant, balanced and exactly the sort of thing we’re delighted to share for Valentine’s Day. While it wasn’t the most outrageous entry visually, what it lacked in appearance it more than made up for in flavour and its perfect ‘Fudge Kitchen’ texture. Best in show, and a real all-round crowd pleaser,” commented Richard Parson, Fudge Kitchen managing director.
“We’re so excited to have won. Strawberry Rose was all about balance - something elegant, seasonal and celebratory - and to see it tick so many boxes for the judges is exactly what we were hoping for,” the Windsor team added.
This Berkshire-based team also impressed judges with their Candy Cane offering – a fun stripy fudge with real Instagram-appeal and a minty-punch - securing joint second place with the York team’s indulgent Pistachio Cream creation.
Third place was awarded to Bath’s Mulled Cider, which offered a beautifully balanced flavour, attractive appearance and excellent texture. Even judges (including myself) who aren’t traditionally fans of the iconic drink enjoyed this warming fudge.
The winning Strawberry Rose Fudge will be available online and in all Fudge Kitchen shops and online from 1 February 2026.
