GREAT TASTE AWARDS SPECIAL FOCUS
THE STARS ARE OUT ABOVE NORTHERN IRELAND AS PASTURES, MOUNTAINS AND SEA DELIVER TRULY GREAT TASTE in Antrim, Ballymena and Ballymoney, were recognized for their Causeway Fish Pie, the Deep Filled Chicken & ham pie and their Premium Coleslaw. Also, appearing on a regular basis, Cavanagh Free Range eggs were awarded a Gold Star. Another regular attendee at Great Taste, Erin Grove Preserves, who recently opened The Croft Farm Shop in Enniskillen, were recognized for their Hot Chilli Jam as well as their Seville Orange Marmalade with Stem Ginger, both attaining a I Gold Star each and finally Ballymena based Ballygarvey Eggs were awarded a 1 Gold Star for their Ballygarvey Big & Healthy Free range eggs. Following 86 socially-distanced judging days in London and Dorset, Great Taste, which values taste above all else, has unearthed the very finest food and drink from every nook and corner of the UK and beyond. Regardless of branding or packaging, each product is judged on a level playing field, according to its texture, appearance, composition and of course taste. Food critics, chefs, restaurateurs, retail buyers, cooks, producers and a host of food writers, journalists and social media influencers are among the 355 esteemed palates to have rigorously blind tasted and judged the 14,113 entries from 108 countries, while providing detailed written feedback for the producer. Every Great Taste award-winning product will now be able to display the unmistakable black and gold logo, a stamp of excellence that is recognised by retailers and consumers alike. A wide range of these winning products are already available to buy in delis, farm shops and independent retail outlets across the country.
Products from every corner of Northern Ireland’s natural landscape feature on this year’s list of Great Taste award-winners, which was announced recently. Out of the 5,383 products worldwide to receive a Great Taste 1-, 2- or 3-star accolade from the largest and most trusted food and drink awards on the planet, 215 are based in Northern Ireland and these include; Lisdergan Butchery’s Great Taste 3-star award-winning Murley Mountain Rack of Lamb, produced in Omagh; Dundarave Estate, in Bushmills, recognised with a Gold Star each going to their Cherryvalley Apple juice, Apple & Pear juice and their Apple Cider vinegar. From Bangor, regulars to the awards, Clandeboye Estate wowed the judges with five of their products which includes a Mandarin & Lime Strained Greek style yoghurt and a Madagascan Vanilla Greek Style yoghurt. Also regulars to Great Taste, the Spar Henderson Group continued to shine with four products from The Chef range, including a delicious Mango Chicken Curry and an Irish Beef stew. Another company who frequently star at Great Taste, Mauds Ice Cream picked up a Gold Star each for three of their mouth-watering ice creams, including Biscottino flavour and Almond & Cherry Bakewell. The Irish Black Butter Company were awarded a Gold Star for Irish Black Butter Hazelnut spread, which can be used in recipes, added to smoothies or goes well with ice cream. Portadown drinks producer, McCracken’s Brewery, excelled with two 2 Gold Stars and one 1 Gold Star for their Irish Red Ale, McCracken’s Black (stout) and McCracken’s APA (American Pale Ale). Antrim based Apperley’s, who have shops 211
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