It's been a five decade labour of love resulting in a successful business supplying melt in the mouth shortbread to visitors and locals in the New Forest.
Tracy Thew has been making shortbread for family and friends for more than 50 years. In 2015, she decided to go into business.
Now the delightful treats have been certified gold at the Great British Food Awards.
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Tracy and her small team hand craft a variety of flavoured artisan shortbread from their Burley headquarters in the heart of the Forest in a property built in 1811 as a woodman's cottage.
Inspired by the beauty around her, Tracy set about redesigning her packaging with tear off and keep information cards in 2019. She also commissioned local artist Will Drew to illustrate the flora and fauna that visitors might see during their stay.
Each batch of shortbread is lovingly crafted and sealed in recyclable bags and biodegradable boxes adorned with Will's beautiful New Forest images.
An extensive range of delicious flavours, including chocolate, coffee, Earl Grey, lemon, raspberry, lavender and rosemary, are supplied to Forest hotels, holiday cottages and sold in a number of local retail outlets as well as being sold online.
The delicious shortbread, perfect as a doorstep gift, wedding favour, hamper filler or thank you gesture, has now been recognised by the Great British Food Awards 2023, which celebrate the very best artisanal produce in the UK’s food and drink industry
The winning entry, a buttery traditional shortbread with a rich golden bake and dairy aromas, is now regarded as one of the very best products available within the UK’s exciting food and drink sector in 2023.
Having been awarded the highest accolade within the awards, New Forest Shortbread’s All Butter Original New Forest Shortbread will now be promoted across Great British Food’s print, online and social channels in celebration of its achievement.
Of the win, Tracy Thew said: "We are really thrilled to have won gold in these prestigious awards! It’s so lovely to have been recognised in the sweet biscuit category. The team and I are chuffed to bits!"
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