North Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil Products Shortlisted in National Gift Survey

Imagine finding the perfect present for someone. It’s not just about the thing itself, but the story behind it. Well, a family business right here in Yorkshire is getting a massive pat on the back for creating exactly those kinds of gifts. The team at Charlie & Ivy’s are celebrating some brilliant news after not one, not two, but three of their delicious food products have been officially recognised as some of the best in the country. They’ve been shortlisted in a huge national competition, putting their tasty creations in the spotlight. It’s a proper David and Goliath story, with a small local farm making big waves across the entire UK.

The Reason For The Award?

This isn't just any old competition. It’s the 43rd Gift of the Year awards, which is a pretty big deal in the world of gifts and homeware. Think of it like the Oscars, but for brilliant things you'd love to give (or get!). Getting shortlisted means that judges have looked at hundreds of products and decided that what Charlie & Ivy’s are doing is special. The awards, which were announced on January 27, 2026, are organised by The Giftware Association, a group that has been supporting the UK gift and home industry since way back in 1947. Their goal is to find the most original, exciting, and innovative products out there. It’s a huge honour to even be considered, so having three products make the list is fantastic news for the North Yorkshire team.

The specific products that caught the judges' eyes are:

• Charlie & Ivy’s Bread Dipper Tasting Set

• Their Date Night Feast Box

• Their Truffle Oil with Black Summer Truffle & Sea Salt

Each of these has been shortlisted in the super-competitive Food and Drink category, proving that great taste and great gifting go hand-in-hand. This recognition is a testament to the quality and creativity coming from their farm.

From a farm in North Yorkshire to the national stage

So, who are Charlie & Ivy’s? They're a family-run business based in Thixendale, North Yorkshire, and their secret ingredient is something they grow themselves: rapeseed. All their products are based on their award-winning cold-pressed rapeseed oil. But what does ‘cold-pressed’ actually mean? Well, instead of using heat to get the oil out of the seeds, they gently squeeze it out. This process keeps all the natural flavour and goodness locked in, which makes a huge difference to the taste. It's a bit like making extra virgin olive oil – it’s all about quality.

Everything happens right there on the family farm, under the watchful eye of their parent company, Breckenholme. The rapeseed oil is grown, pressed, and then bottled on-site before being turned into the delicious marinades, dressings, and bread dippers they’re famous for. This farm-to-bottle approach means they have complete control over the quality of their products. This commitment to local, high-quality production is a huge part of their story and a key reason their gift boxes have such strong customer appeal. They are making amazing products that can be enjoyed in any home.

The shortlisted superstars

Let's have a closer look at the products that are up for the award. First up is the Bread Dipper Tasting Set. It’s basically a dream come true for anyone who loves nibbles. It’s a selection of their amazing bread dippers, perfect for dunking chunks of crusty bread into. It’s the kind of gift that’s brilliant for a foodie friend or for having in the cupboard when guests pop over unexpectedly. These bread dippers are a cornerstone of their product range.

Next is the Date Night Feast Box. This is a genius idea for a cosy night in. Instead of heading out, this box has everything needed to create a special meal at home. It’s a thoughtful and delicious gift that’s all about creating an experience, not just giving a thing. In a world where everyone is busy, a gift that encourages people to spend quality time together is always going to be a winner. This product truly stands out as a unique gift idea.

Finally, there's the Truffle Oil with Black Summer Truffle & Sea Salt. Truffles are one of those luxury ingredients that can make any dish feel a bit fancy. A drizzle of this rapeseed oil over pasta, pizza, or even chips elevates it to a whole new level. It shows how a simple, high-quality ingredient like cold-pressed rapeseed oil can be transformed into something truly special. This product highlights the versatility and premium quality of the oil from their farm.

So, what makes a 'gift of the year'?

The judges for the Gift of the Year awards have a tough job. They have a strict set of criteria to follow when picking the best of the best. It’s not enough for a product to just taste good or look nice on a shelf. It needs to have a real ‘wow factor’. The judges look at everything from the presentation and packaging to the overall customer appeal. Does it make someone’s face light up when they open it? Is it good value for money?

They also consider how viable the products are for retailers. This means they assess whether it's a product that shops like independent delis and farm shops would be excited to stock. The marketing materials and support offered by the brand also play a part. Charlie & Ivy's has clearly ticked all these boxes. Jennie Palmer, the marketing manager at Charlie & Ivy’s, shared her excitement about the news.

“We’re highly delighted and very proud that three out of the 14 products in the shortlist are made by Charlie & Ivy’s using cold-pressed rapeseed oil, which is pressed and bottled on the farm in Yorkshire and distributed to gift lovers throughout the UK.”

What happens next?

Being shortlisted is a huge achievement, but the journey isn't over yet. A final list of winners will be selected from the shortlisted businesses in February. Then, the lucky winners will be revealed at a glamorous black tie dinner in May. It’s a nail-biting wait for the team, but it’s an incredible moment of recognition for all their hard work. This national competition, run by The Giftware Association, is a major event in the industry calendar.

Whether they take home the top prize or not, being shortlisted in the 43rd Gift of the Year awards is a massive win. It shines a light on the incredible food producers in North Yorkshire and celebrates a family business that pours its heart and soul into every single bottle of cold-pressed rapeseed oil. Their products, available in delis and shops across the UK, bring a little taste of the Yorkshire Wolds into homes everywhere. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best gifts come from a local farm with a big passion for quality.