Each year, the Great Taste Awards see around 500 judges blind taste test over 14,000 entries in 89 deliberation days, giving invaluable feedback to producers, with some receiving a rating of up to three stars for their products.
The lucky award winners can proudly display the iconic Great Taste logo as a badge of honour on their products, enhancing their business in the competitive market, with some seeing up to a 50 per cent increase in sales.
Managing director at the Guild of Fine Food — the organisers of the awards — John Farrand said of the results: 'We have witnessed an outstanding year of exceptional quality, innovation and creativity once again. It's been brilliant to hear our judges discover the delicious tastes of really well-made ice creams, coffees, chocolate and sourdough bread.
'What's truly remarkable is to see the Great Taste entrants continue to thrive amid one of the toughest economic and social periods — it's inspirational. We want to thank them for their continued passion and skill and look forward to seeing more gold and black Great Taste stickers on shelves around the world over the next year.'
With just 41 per cent of all the entries receiving an award and only a small 1.8 per cent of those entries scooping the pinnacle three-star rating, Gloucestershire producers snagged an incredible 111 prizes, with three local businesses taking home the coveted top accolade.
Cherry Moo Ice Cream
Gloucestershire-based Cherry Moo's luxury handmade ice cream is a firm favourite among county locals and beyond. Three of its artisan flavours — salted caramel; white chocolate and raspberry; and blackcurrant and cream — all received star ratings, with the latter receiving the perfect three-star score.
The Artisan Kitchen
The Artisan Kitchen, based in Gloucester, was a big winner this year, with eight of its delicious jams and preserves receiving the ultimate stamp of approval with a three star rating.
Some of the award-winning flavours include its Pink Gin Marmalade, Blaisdon Red Plum Jam and Summer Citrus Marmalade Italian Orange Bitters. Yum!
Karobi's Ghee
Handmade in the Cotswolds, Karobi's Ghee is popular for both its plain and spiced organic grass-fed butter, with its classic plain variation claiming a triple star rating in this year's awards.
Ghee is a traditional healing food that goes through a long and gentle cooking process that separates the milk solids and impurities from the butter fat, before caramelising and filtering them out, leaving a golden product known as ghee.
Other Gloucestershire businesses receiving great ratings in this year's awards include Tubby Tom's, Cotswold Kombucha, Beyond the Bean Ltd, Just Pressed Cider, Soho Coffee Shop Ltd, The Jolly Hog and many more.
Congratulations to all the winners — the full list of the winning artisanal producers can be found on the Great Taste website.
