General Rules

Eligibility. The competition is open to all registered ice cream manufacturers in the UK, regardless of membership with the Ice Cream Alliance, the organising body.

Food business registration. Entrants must confirm they are registered as a Food Business with their Local Authority or the Food Standards Agency, UK only. Companies not registered will not be permitted to enter. No refunds will be issued for withdrawn or disqualified entries.

Source of manufacture. Entries must come directly from the registered manufacturer, not an employee. Products must be made on the premises where the competitor normally manufactures. Ice cream made using pre manufactured blends from third party suppliers will not be accepted, except in the Signature Soft Serve Creation class.

Entry forms and fees. All entries must be submitted online and accompanied by full payment of the appropriate fee for each sample.

Delivery of samples. Samples must be delivered or sent carriage paid, in line with the forwarding instructions issued by the Ice Cream Alliance. Entrants are responsible for the safe and timely delivery of products.

Anonymity. Entries must not bear any name, mark or identifier that could reveal the competitor's identity. Breaches will result in disqualification.

Presentation of samples. Samples must be filled to the required level, smoothly and evenly, as outlined by the Ice Cream Alliance. Overfilled tubs or samples shaped using scoops or blocks will not be accepted.

Compliance with class rules. All samples must comply with the compositional rules of the category entered. Samples may be subject to compositional analysis to confirm compliance.

Disposal of samples. The Ice Cream Alliance reserves the right to dispose of all samples after judging and post analysis.

Publication of results. Only the names of successful competitors will be announced at the Industry Awards Evening, published on the Golden Scoop Awards website and featured in the Ice Cream magazine.

Right to refuse entries. The Ice Cream Alliance reserves the right to refuse any entry at its discretion.

Verification of entries. Competitors may be asked to provide proof of entry details and permit inspection of premises if required. Failure to comply may result in awards being withheld or cancelled.

Responsibility for entries. The Ice Cream Alliance cannot accept responsibility for lost entries, incomplete entries, or entries not submitted in accordance with the rules.

Sample condition. While reasonable measures will be taken to maintain correct storage conditions, the Ice Cream Alliance accepts no liability for any deterioration or loss of samples. Entry fees will not be refunded in such cases.

Withholding awards. The Ice Cream Alliance reserves the right to withhold trophies, medals or ratings in any class where entries are not deemed to be of sufficient merit.

Accuracy of details. Entrants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all details provided on entry forms. Awards cannot be reissued due to errors resulting from illegible or incorrect information supplied by entrants.

Disqualification. Disqualification decisions are made by the Head Judge and Senior Supervisors. Disqualified entrants will be notified in writing where appropriate. No refunds will apply.

Communication. It is the responsibility of entrants to ensure the nominated contact has access to their email during the competition period for all communications regarding entries, deliveries and results.

Product standards. All products entered must be identical in recipe and standard to those made available commercially. If a product is altered in any way, the right to use the award label or logo will be withdrawn.

Membership benefits. Current Ice Cream Alliance members are entitled to free entries, one for Standard membership and three for Corporate membership, subject to membership status at the time of entry.

Entry details. All entry details must be final and correct at the close of entries. No edits will be permitted after the closing date. Entries with incomplete details, for example marked TBC, will be disqualified.

Payment. Payment must be made in full by credit or debit card at the time of entry. Unpaid entries will not be judged.

Refunds. No refunds will be issued for entries not manufactured or not submitted.

Delivery responsibility. Entrants are responsible for ensuring that products are securely packaged, safely transported and delivered in a fit condition for judging.

Safekeeping of entries. The Ice Cream Alliance will take great care with all entries but accepts no responsibility for damage or loss once samples are in its possession. Products cannot be returned to entrants.

Food safety. The Ice Cream Alliance reserves the right to withdraw an award if a producer is subsequently prosecuted by a relevant authority for food or animal safety violations.