As we step into 2026, I find myself looking back at 2025 with immense gratitude and a heart full of pride. What a year it's been for RoniB's Kitchen! From national TV appearances to prestigious awards, from intimate village fetes to grand exhibitions across Europe—this year has shown us that Filipino flavours truly belong on tables everywhere.
Awards & Recognition: Celebrating Filipino Excellence
Gold at the Great British Food Awards
Our Filipino Garlic Chilli Paste took home GOLD at the Great British Food Awards 2025, and honestly, I'm still pinching myself. This recognition means the world—not just for RoniB's Kitchen, but for Filipino cuisine gaining the spotlight it deserves in the UK food scene.
Dragon's Pantry Winner at Farm Shop & Deli Show
In April, we won Dragon's Pantry at the Farm Shop and Deli Show—a proud moment that validated all the hard work we've poured into perfecting our family recipes and bringing them to British tables.
Great Taste Producer Status Continues
We maintained our Great Taste Producer status with multiple awards, cementing our reputation for quality and flavour. Each star represents countless hours of recipe testing, sourcing the finest ingredients, and staying true to our heritage.
Featured in Global 50
Being featured in "In The Mix" magazine's "The Global 50: Stories of Filipino Excellence Across Continents" was deeply meaningful. It's a reminder that what we do goes beyond business—we're part of a larger story of Filipino diaspora success and cultural pride.
Michelin Guide Philippines 2026
The launch of the Michelin Guide Philippines 2026 was a landmark moment for Filipino cuisine worldwide. While it celebrates restaurants in the Philippines, it represents something bigger—Filipino food finally taking its rightful place on the global culinary stage alongside French, Italian, Japanese, and other established cuisines. For us at RoniB's Kitchen, it validates what we've been championing all along: Filipino flavours deserve recognition and celebration.
On Screen & In Print: Sharing Our Story
James Martin's Saturday Morning Show
April brought one of the year's biggest highlights—appearing on James Martin's Saturday Morning Show! Watching our Black Bean Chilli Paste and other products featured on national television was surreal. The response from viewers was overwhelming, and it introduced RoniB's Kitchen to thousands of new customers across the UK.
The Grocer & The Times
Being featured in The Grocer magazine and The Times brought credibility and visibility that small food businesses dream of. These publications reaching out to tell our story felt like validation that Filipino food products deserve space alongside other established cuisines.
Speaking & Sharing Knowledge
British Library Business & IP Centre Start-Up Day
Taking the stage at the British Library's Start-Up Day was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. Sharing our journey with aspiring entrepreneurs and discussing the challenges of building a food business felt like coming full circle—from struggling at the beginning to being able to guide others.
International Women's Day with FWA-UK
Speaking at the FWA-UK International Women's Day event in March was particularly special. As a Filipino woman entrepreneur in the UK, I'm passionate about encouraging other women—especially those from immigrant backgrounds—to pursue their business dreams despite the obstacles.
New Stockists: Growing Our Reach
2025 was the year RoniB's Kitchen truly expanded beyond farmers' markets. We're now stocked in:
- Fenwick - A dream come true to be in such a prestigious department store
- Independent delis across the UK - Each partnership feels personal
- Garden centres - Perfect for gifting and discovery
- Butchers - Our sauces complement quality meats beautifully
- Food halls and other speciality food shops
Seeing our jars on shelves alongside established brands never gets old. Each new stockist represents someone who believed in our products enough to give them space in their shop.
Restaurants & Menus: Chefs Choose RoniB's
One of the most validating moments for any food producer is when professional chefs choose our products for their menus. This year, talented chefs got creative with our sauces and condiments:
- McLaren Backyard BBQ - Chef Adam McLaren created fiery chicken wings with our Garlic Chilli Oil (tender, juicy, with warming heat perfect for a windy May market day!) and pulled beef brioche buns with our Ihaw Ihaw BBQ sauce and Asian slaw
- F&T - A chori burger featuring our Filipino-style Banana Ketchup
- Wicken Seitan - An amuse-bouche showcasing their pastrami with our Garlic Chilli Paste and Kalamansi Marmalade
- Cocolico - Stunning desserts called "Pistachio Stone" and "Boracay" using our Kalamansi Marmalade
- De Vere Hotels - Chef Ben Parris, Executive Chef at De Vere East Horsley Estate, created elegant canapés of beef in adobo with coconut milk balls and paired our Kalamansi Marmalade with their cheeseboard
Watching chefs—people who live and breathe food—reimagine our products in ways we never expected is pure joy. From fiery wings to delicate desserts, they've shown just how versatile Filipino flavours can be.
Festivals & Events: Meeting You Face-to-Face
Despite the growth in retail and wholesale, the heart of RoniB's Kitchen remains in connecting directly with people. 2025 took us to incredible places:
Major Food Festivals:
- Hampton Court Palace Food Festival - The grandeur of the setting matched the quality of the exhibitors
- Waddesdon Chilli Festival - Among fellow chilli enthusiasts, we felt right at home
- Brighton Foodies Festival - Coastal vibes and adventurous eaters
- CelebrASIA at Battersea Power Station (September) - Celebrating Asian culture and cuisine on a spectacular stage
Markets & Fairs:
- Forage at Coppice Garden Centre - Regular slots that feel like coming home
- Dorking Christmas Festival - Festive spirit and loyal customers
- Countless village fetes and Christmas markets - Where community connections are made
Every market stall, every festival booth, every conversation with a customer trying our products for the first time—these moments fuel our passion.
Special Events
Cooking Demo at Hogs Back Brewery
In October, we partnered with Surrey Hills Enterprises for a cooking demonstration at the beautiful Hogs Back Brewery. Showing people how to use our products in real recipes, answering questions, and seeing their excitement was incredibly rewarding.
International Reach: Paris Calling
We didn't just stay in the UK—RoniB's Kitchen crossed the Channel! Exhibiting at Huddles in Paris proved that Filipino flavours resonate far beyond British shores. Seeing French food lovers embrace our products was a beautiful reminder that great taste transcends borders.
Back home, we also showcased our products at Raye the Store and Spill the Beans, continuing to expand our presence across speciality retailers.
What Made It All Possible: YOU
Behind every award, every stockist, every feature—there's you. Our customers who took a chance on unfamiliar flavours, who shared our products with friends, who left glowing reviews, who came back again and again. Our wholesale partners who believed in Filipino cuisine. Our fellow food entrepreneurs who cheered us on. Our family, who supported long hours and big dreams.
Looking through photos from 2025, I'm struck by how many smiling faces appear—at markets, events, in our kitchen. This business has always been about more than selling sauces and jams. It's about sharing heritage, creating connections, and proving that Filipino flavours deserve a place at every British table.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we start this new year, we're energized by what's possible. More stockists are coming on board. New product development is underway (stay tuned!). More events and collaborations are in the pipeline. The Michelin Guide connection opens doors we never imagined.
But we're also committed to staying true to what got us here—quality ingredients, authentic recipes, genuine connections, and the belief that food brings people together across cultures.
Thank you for being part of the RoniB's Kitchen story in 2025. Here's to an even more flavourful 2026!
With gratitude and excitement for what's ahead,
Roni
Founder, RoniB's Kitchen
What was your favourite RoniB's Kitchen moment from 2025? Share in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!
Ready to start 2026 with bold Filipino flavours? Shop our award-winning collection here.