A Sidmouth-based coffee roaster and hot chocolate producer has won an international award.

Cupsmith has received a Gold in the Dubai International Taste Awards for its Bang On Expresso coffee beans.

Sidmouth Herald: The award-winning espresso beans

The family business run by George and Emma Crawford moved to East Devon earlier this year after outgrowing their premises in the south-east. It has a factory near Exeter Airport, and runs its sales and marketing operation from Sidmouth.

Its speciality coffees, luxury hot chocolates and organic teas are sold by Selfridges, Waitrose, Ocado and many independent shops and cafes in the UK. The products are also sold in the US, Hong Kong and Europe.

The company prides itself on using only the highest quality, ethically sourced ingredients and having eco-friendly packaging which is plastic-free, recyclable and home compostable.

Emma said: “We’re thrilled to have won a gold award, especially for our Bang On Espresso, and this international recognition of our speciality coffee is the next exciting step in our growth.

“Having moved to the area two months ago, we’ve now got a locally-based sales team on board and are excited to be a part of the vibrant food scene both in the South West and further afield.

“In the meantime George and I are working flat out in the factory to produce all our hot drinks - it’s busy but we love it and we’ve got plenty of amazing coffee and tea to keep us going!”

Sidmouth Herald: The gold award

The Dubai International Taste Awards are similar to the UK's Great Taste Awards but companies anywhere in the world can enter. Emma said Cupsmith put themselves forward because they had heard about the awards, and they had also been approached by a very upmarket chain of Dubai delicatessens and cafes just before Covid.

Emma said: “There are a lot of judges on the panel and they come from the top hotels, restaurants and catering businesses across the United Arab Emirates.

“Dubai and the UAE have created a really strong international food scene, with all the investment, growth and celebrity attention there.”