More success for Cumbrian producers at Great Taste awards

The annual awards, run by the Guild of Fine Foods, see more than 12,000 products from across the globe blind tasted by 12 panels of experts made up of top chefs, cookery writers, food critics, restaurateurs and fine food retailers.

They are then given a star rating, with less than three per cent of entries receiving the three star award.

Among Cumbrian companies receiving a three star rating was smoked salmon company Grants, based in Maryport.

Grants Oak Smoked’s Traditional longsliced smoked salmon was praised by judges for its "beautiful presentation", "melting texture" and "delicate and complex taste".

It was one of only two UK smoked salmon products to get the three-star accolade.

Two years ago Grants’ premium product, its Traditionally Smoked Rope Hung Scottish Salmon, also won the prestigious three star award.

The company’s owner, Jonathan Brown, said: “Once again we are delighted the renowned Great Taste experts have recognised the dedication, expertise and quality of our products.

“To win three stars with two separate products in such a short period of time is a fantastic success. For the Grants Traditional longsliced – one of our core products - to win three stars represents an amazing achievement. It signifies the emphasis we have placed on quality for more than 30 years.

“We only source the finest salmon from suppliers with the highest aquaculture and environmental standards. Each fish is then hand trimmed, cured and smoked the traditional way, over real oak chips, under the personal supervision of our master smoker.

“As a family company, we are very proud of our Cumbrian roots and always do our utmost to promote the area and its produce across the globe. Awards such as this help us in this process. Everything we have achieved would not have been possible without the dedication and support of every member of our team, some of whom have been with us for decades. This award also recognises their hard work and excellence.”

Lakeland Artisan, in Staveley, picked up three two-star and six one-star awards.

It earned the two start awards for its Herbaceous Strawberry Gin Liqueur, Sloe Gin Liqueur and Mawson Ginger Cordial.

Its Damson Gin Liqueur, Mawson’s Sarsaparilla Cordial, Mawson’s Dandelion & Burdock,

Orange marmalade with Ginger, Damson Extra Jam and Sticky Toffee Sauce all earned one-star.

This year’s Great Taste awards add to the 45 awards the company has won in the last nine years.

Other two star winners were:

- Lakes Gingerbread Vodka Spirit Drink by Mint Drinks Co

- Banana Habanero and Tamarind Chipotle by Mr Vikkis

- Pork & Black Pudding Sausage by The Cumbrian Sausage Ltd

- Taste of the Lakes Smoked Duck and Reduced Vegetable stock by Harbourside Products Ltd

- Malted Barley Sourdough by Lovingly Artisan

- Smoked Chicken Supreme by Eden Valley Meat Co

- Double Jersey ice cream by English Lakes Ice Cream Limited

- Claire's Handmade Lyth Valley Damson Fruit Cheese by Claire's Handmade Ltd

- Cake of Two Halves by Country Fare

- Mountain Rescue by Red Bank Coffee Roasters

- Brownie in a Jar by If I knew you were coming

Other one star winners were:

- Kapow AFC - Goosnargh Teriyaki Chicken Jerky by Kakophony Ltd

- Cheeseboard Chutney, Kashmiri Tomato Chutney, Fig and Orange Jam, Orange and Whisky, Bloody Mary Ketchup by the Hawkshead Relish Company

- Hot Stuff Carolina Reaper, Roxannes UCC and Chilli Jam by Mr Vikkis

- Fancy Frolic, Festive Tipple, Chilli Fest, Shed Loads of Love Chocolates and Cuckold's Revenge Jelly Marmalade by Shed 1 Distillery

- Farraday' Tasty Piccalilli Crisps by Farraday`s Tasty

- Pork Breakfast Sausage by The Cumbrian Sausage Ltd

- Taste of the Lakes Smoked Chicken , Smoked Porchetta, Lakes Confit Duck and Chicken Liver Pate by Harbourside Products Ltd

- Cheese and Marmite Sourdough by Lovingly Artisan

- The Artman Classic and The Berry Blast by Lakeland Mues

- Habanero Jam by Farraday`s Tasty

- Thunder & Lightning and Raspberry Pavlova by English Lakes Ice Cream Limited