Local producers shine once again in UK Great Taste Awards

Nine of those achieved the maximum three stars for their product and could go on to win the supreme champion award for the UK later in the year.

The event is run by the UK Guild of Fine Food and the province has traditionally performed exceptioally given its size in relation to the rest of GB.

Congratulating this year’s winners, Food NI chief executive Michele Shirlow said the event was a “tremendous showcase of all that is exceptional in terms of quality, outstanding taste and innovation in food and drink here”.

“It’s tremendously encouraging to see so many of our member companies featured among the 180 awards and especially among the nine achieving the top three gold star rating for genuinely world class products,” she said.

“The nine will now have an opportunity to win the Supreme Champion title that’s currently help by Hannan Meats of Moira, another very supportive Food NI member company.

“In addition, it’s likely that several from Northern Ireland will be included among the Top 50 Foods, a recognition that could lead to significant new business in Britain.”

Winning so many gold stars in such a prestigious competition would help smaller companies in particular in achieving sales in Great Britain and the Irish Republic, both key export markets.

“Consumers in Great Britain currently buy food and drink worth more than £2 billion from Northern Ireland suppliers, almost 50% percent of our total output,” she said.

“It’s essential, therefore, that our focus on Britain should remain sharp and that our companies, especially the smaller producers, are able to identify and exploit the opportunities currently developing there and in the post-Brexit era.”

Jeremy Fitch, executive director of business and sector development at Invest NI said: “Northern Ireland produce is much sought after, not only in the UK and Europe but also in countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Awards such as these provide independent validation of the taste and quality of our local food and drink.

“I would like to congratulate all of those who have been recognised by the Guild of Fine Food for their hard work and dedication. In particular the eight three star gold award winners.”