Staffordshire food and drink firms have tasted sizzling success with a range of mouth-watering products in the latest round of the “Food Oscars.”
Two producers received rave reviews from the judges at the Great Taste Awards with a total of 17 awards between them.
The Awards, delivered by the Guild of Fine Food, have been described as the Oscars of the food world and the gastronomic equivalent of the Booker Prize.
Leek-based artisan food manufacturer Cottage Delight, a family-owned business making tasty treats from luxury jams and chutneys to fudge, say they are “thrilled” at winning nine accolades.
The North Staffordshire business won two-star awards for their tart rhubarb curd, hickory smoked barbecue sauce and Indian hot chilli pickle.
In the one-star category they won for their stem ginger jam, caramelised onion chutney, caramelised red onion chutney, classic cheese board chutney, classic piccalilli pickle and peppered steak sauce.
Cottage Delight has been producing artisan food for almost 50 years with recipes produced in small batches to ensure that “home-made” flavour comes through in each jar.
Barton-under-Needwood-based Packington Free Range, a family-run meat producer, racked up a total of eight awards including Three Stars for its whole loin of pork.
The farming business has prospered for 100 years thanks to its passion for provenance and sustainable and ethical farming.
The Hairy Bikers have paid tribute to its caring ethos and described its chickens as “some of the happiest in Britain.”
The other firms receiving accolades in the Great Taste Awards were Perrys of Eccleshall (two awards), Suncream Dairies (two awards), Just Oil & Just Crisps (two awards), Gourmet Partners t/a Olina’s Bakehouse (two awards), Mulberry St Cupcakes, Flour & Co Bakehouse, Lucky Saint, Ray Gray Snacks, Nelson’s Distillery & School and RJ’s Peppers.
