Alcoholic pastilles win award

Following an incredible debut year, Smith & Sinclair has received an award for Most Innovative Confectionery at The International Food & Drink Event (IFE).

The independent London confectioner was recognised for its revolutionary alcoholic pastilles, triumphing over 340 entries. It was also shortlisted for the Top 100 Best New Products, having been selected from over 3,000 products exhibited at the event.

Launched in January last year, Smith & Sinclair is stocked by retailers including Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.

An expert judging panel studied hundreds of entries from 30 countries in 16 categories for IFE’s first ever World Food Innovation Awards at the Excel in London.

Created by co-founder Emile Bernard, each pastille retains six to eight per cent ABV, meaning that a box of six equates to 2.6 units of alcohol, a first for a solid confectionery product. Available in six core flavours, made using high quality spirits, fresh fruit and real spices, each cocktail recipe has been deconstructed and reconfigured through a complex cooking process created and patented by Smith & Sinclair. The method ensures that minimal alcohol is burnt off and the resulting product delivers layer upon layer of flavour with a subtle alcoholic kick.

Co-founder Melanie Goldsmith says: “We’re honoured to have walked away with Most Innovative Confectionery at IFE. We really wanted to push the boundaries and do something no one else had done before so to be recognised for our hard work is incredibly gratifying.”