A Staffordshire artisan sauce producer has proven to be hot stuff with the public by winning first prize at one of the biggest chilli festivals in the UK.
Jethro’s Marinades & Sauces, based in Huntington, Cannock, scooped the accolade at the Great Dorset Chilli Festival, which was attended by tens of thousands of people.
Jethro’s won first prize for its Red Chilli & Garlic Sauce after it was voted best in a tasting competition involving visitors.
It builds on last year’s success when the company – run by husband-and-wife team Annette and Phil Foster – landed a third prize for its Grandpa Joe’s Smokey Chipotle.
Phil Foster, of Jethro’s Marinades & Sauces, said: “We were delighted to receive this recognition at such a prestigious event, attended by tens of thousands of people each year.
“It attracts many of the best chilli producers throughout the country and is very well attended by the chilli loving public.
“Each year a competition is held and all of the producers are invited to enter into the sauce tasting competition.
“All of the competing bottles are displayed in a tasting tent and every visitor is given one vote – in the form of a bead.
They are told to put their bead in the pot next to their favourite sauce and at the end of the day the organisers count up who is in first, second and third place.”
The company produces a range of chutneys, stir fry sauces, cook-in-sauces, drizzles, dips and jams all based on original ingredients and handcrafted.
As well as selling through wholesale, Jethro’s is a regularly attendee at events, festivals, Christmas markets and fayres around the country.