'Great Taste' of Manx produce recognised

Record year for local food and drink in awards

A record number of Manx products have been recognised in this year's Great Taste Awards.

Around seventy items from the Island's food and drink industry have won praise this year, up from 56 in 2017, and significantly higher than the 10 won by producers four years ago.

A total of 12,634 products from around the British Isles were entered into this year's awards, the highest number since they were set up in 1994.

Each item submitted is blind-taste tested by a panel of food experts, including food critics, chefs and fine food retailers.

Known as the Oscars of the food and drink industry, there are three bands of star rating.

Eighteen producers from the Isle of Man had their products recognised, with two scoring most highly in the awards, securing three stars.

That accolade went to Berries Luxury Pudding Makers and Confectioners, for its whey butter fruit cake for cheese, and Close Leece Farm, for its Manx Chorizo.

Winners can now display the Great Taste logo and the star rating received on their products and promotions.

The 2018 winners will now compete in the regional awards, before the top products in each region are judged to find the Supreme Champion, which will be announced at the Great Taste Golden Fork dinner, in London, in September.