Best Vanilla
Vanilla is the true test of an ice cream maker's skill. This class celebrates the smoothness, balance and flavour purity of this timeless classic.
How it works
From entry form to
From entry form to
Industry Awards Evening
Nine classes, two panels of four judges, 400 points per sample and one National Champion. Here is the whole process, start to finish.
Step one
Choose your classes
The Awards are designed to showcase excellence across a wide range of flavours and styles. Read the compositional rules for each class carefully before entering, because samples may be analysed to confirm compliance.
Best Chocolate
Rich, indulgent and universally loved. Chocolate is a benchmark flavour where quality and craftsmanship shine through.
Best Strawberry
Freshness, natural flavour and a perfect balance of sweetness are at the heart of this category.
Best Pistachio
Nutty, aromatic and luxurious. Pistachio is a flavour that requires precision and care.
Best Open Sorbet
A showcase of the finest sorbets, open to all flavours. From zesty citrus to exotic fruits, floral notes, teas and beyond.
Best Innovative
For ice creams that push boundaries. New ideas, unconventional ingredients, products tailored for specific consumer groups.
Best Open Flavour
For everything beyond the classics. Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and pistachio flavours cannot be entered here.
Best Newcomer
For businesses producing ice cream for less than three years. Star rated like every other class, with a stronger emphasis on detailed feedback.
Signature Soft Serve Creation
For manufacturers who also operate in a mobile capacity, delivered fresh to Derby. Entrants are encouraged to innovate rather than stick to a standard vanilla. Toppings and inclusions are welcome.
Two exceptions to know about. Best Newcomer and Signature Soft Serve Creation are star rated like every other class, but neither counts towards the National Champion title. Soft serve samples also cannot be accepted at standard drop off points and must be brought fresh to the ICA Head Office in Derby on Friday 26 February 2027.
Step two
How a sample is scored
Each ice cream sample is evaluated across three key aspects. Every judge scores out of 100 points, and with four judges on a panel the maximum sample score is 400.
Appearance5 to 10
Overall colour, uniformity and presentation. Colours should be consistent and true to the flavour description, with no separation of ingredients unless intentional.
Texture & Body10 to 20
Smoothness and silkiness, ice crystal size, and a balanced density that is rich but not heavy. Grainy, icy, sandy, buttery or gummy textures are marked down.
Flavour50 to 70
The heaviest weighted category. Balance and intensity of the primary flavour, harmony between ingredients, accuracy of flavour representation and absence of off flavours.
Per judge
100 points
Panel of four
400 points
Step three
Winning a class
The sample with the highest combined score across all judges on the panel wins the class.
Golden Scoop National Champion
The champion is the producer who demonstrates the strongest overall skills, determined by the number of classes won. Seven classes count towards the title: Best Vanilla, Best Chocolate, Best Strawberry, Best Pistachio, Best Open Sorbet, Best Innovative and Best Open Flavour.
Tie breaker rules
If two or more entrants win the same number of classes, the judges cast individual votes to decide which entrant has the best overall ice cream, and that entrant takes the title.
If every class is won by a different entrant, so nobody has multiple wins, the first place samples from those classes are scored and ranked against each other by the judges. The sample with the highest overall score is crowned National Champion.
Step four
The star rating
Samples are rated 1 to 5 stars based on how closely they match the top score in their class. To be awarded any rating at all, a sample must reach at least 85% of that top score.
Exceptional
95% and above
The highest level of recognition, showcasing perfect harmony of flavour, texture and appearance.
Excellent
93.5% and above
Consistently impressive, with outstanding quality that delights in every scoop.
Very good
92% and above
A strong performance, delivering delicious flavour and enjoyable texture that stand out.
Good
90% and above
A rewarding achievement that highlights skill and craft, offering plenty to enjoy.
Recognised
85% and above
Officially accredited as a quality product with great potential and appeal.
Key dates
Golden Scoop Awards 2027
Nine steps from entry to results. Miss the sample drop off deadline and the entry cannot be judged, so put it in the diary now.
Find your collection pointBy 1 December 2026
Entries close
Enter online, select your classes, apply any discount code and pay in full. Each entry costs £60 plus VAT.
December 2026
Confirmation and tubs issued
You receive a confirmation email detailing your entries, followed by your sample tubs and instructions. Check the contents immediately and report any issues without delay.
12:00pm, Monday 22 February 2027
Sample drop off
Drop your samples at the collection point you selected on your entry form. Telephone ahead. Samples arriving before or after the date will not be accepted.
Tuesday 23 February 2027
Samples travel to Derby
Collection points forward samples to the ICA Head Office for assessment by the judging panels.
24 to 26 February 2027
Live judging at head office
Both panels work through the classes at the ICA Head Office in Derby, scoring every sample blind.
Friday 26 February 2027
Soft serve judging
Soft serve entrants bring their van to the ICA Head Office, where samples are tested blind and fresh on the day.
Tuesday 16 March 2027
Winners announced
Class winners and the Golden Scoop National Champion are announced at the Industry Awards Evening, held at The Belfry Hotel and sponsored by NIC UK.
Wednesday 17 March 2027
Full results published
Results go live on this website the day after the Industry Awards Evening.
Mid to end March 2027
Feedback and ratings issued
Every entrant receives detailed judge feedback and their official star rating, including the score graphs that show how your product performed against the class.
Industry Awards Evening
Tuesday 16 March 2027
Class winners and the Golden Scoop National Champion are announced in the Masters Suite at The Belfry Hotel. Sponsored by NIC UK.
Tickets£120 plus VAT
VenueThe Belfry Hotel, Masters Suite
Sponsored byNIC UK
Tickets are handled by our ticketing partner. You will be taken to their site to complete your booking.