Food products made in Staffordshire have been named among the best in the UK by the Great Taste Awards 2025.
Great Taste is recognised as the most influential food and drink accreditation scheme in the world and puts products in front of over 500 expert judges to award highly respected seals of approval.
This year saw a record number of entries with 14,340 products being submitted from 110 countries with just less than 40 per cent receiving an accolade. The Midlands entered 965 products, of which 350 received awards.
But winners came from across the county and Cottage Delight enjoyed its most successful year ever at the awards.
The Leek-based firm beat last year’s haul of 12 awards and brought home 17 accolades including its first three-star award, given to its Tangy Orange All Butter Curd. Only 1.9 per cent of all entrants received the coveted Great Taste 2025 three-star award.
Cottage Delight’s Classic Orange Thin Cut Marmalade, Poppadom Mango Chutney and Mango, Lime and Chilli Sauce all gained two stars while other products receiving recognition include its Classic Cheese Maker’s Pickle, Sticky Rib and Wing Sauce and John Lusty Chicken Stock.
Marketing Director Sarah Williams said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received 17 Great Taste Awards in 2025, our biggest haul to date and a true testament to the passion and craftsmanship behind every Cottage Delight product.
“This year marks a particularly proud milestone as we celebrate our first-ever 3-star award for our Tangy Orange Curd – a vibrant, zesty creation that truly stood out among the judges. We’re equally delighted to have earned three 2-star awards. These accolades reflect our team’s dedication to creating delicious food.”
Just Oil and Just Crisps, ran by Anthony and Rebecca Froggatt from their family farm near Rugeley, also picked up awards.
Just Oil won two stars for its Cold-Pressed Rapeseed Oil, and one for its Mayonnaise, while Just Crisps won one star each for its Mature Cheddar and Onion and Sea Salt crisps. The mayonnaise is made with the award-winning oil and potatoes grown on the farm are fried in the oil to make the crisps.
Anthony said: “Becky and I, along with all the team here at Just Oil and Just Crisps are extremely proud to win coveted Great Taste awards yet again on our products. It is a testament to everyone’s hard work and dedication to produce quality products made here on our farm in the heart of Staffordshire.”
Other Staffordshire winners are:
Perrys of Eccleshall and its wild venison pastrami (two stars)
Stafford’s Asilia Limited T/A Asilia Salt and its Roast Herb Salt (one star)
Mr Trotter Ltd, based in Rugeley, and its Mr Trotters Pork Crunch (one star).
Fantastic news, congratulations!
If I see a food product in a shop and one has a taste award and one doesn’t, I always select the one that’s won the award!