A record number of Genuine Jersey members have walked away with star ratings from this year’s Great Taste Awards. The produce of four local businesses has been recognised with a gold star rating from the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink awards.
This year a gold star was awarded to Wild Health’s Fresh Jersey Dried Kale, Sue’s Fudge’s Black Butter and Christmas Pudding Fudge, Jersey Sea Salt’s Salt & Crushed Pepper Infusion and The Chilli Kitchen’s Hot Tomato and Sweet Red Pepper & Chilli Relish.
Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world, the Awards received over 12,000 entries from around the world, which were blind-tasted by a panel of over 500 judges. This year, only 37% of entries were lucky enough to receive a gold star rating. The Great Taste logo provides members with further evidence of the high quality and unique flavour of their local cuisine.
This is the first year Wild Health and Jersey Sea Salt have entered the Awards, having only joined Genuine Jersey in 2017. Dave Miles of Jersey Sea Salt said: “As artisan producers to win such a prestigious award is a great achievement. We truly believe our salt delivers a superior taste due to Jersey’s rich mineral waters, the length of time the ingredients are infused and of course the TLC we put into all of our products.”
Gemma Bartlett of Wild Health was delighted by the Award as it helps to better promote Jersey kale. The judges found her dried kale crisps ‘tasty, fresh and leafy with a touch of sweetness. Frilly little things with great colour and texture.’
The Great Taste Awards provide a great platform for Genuine Jersey members, as they support and promote artisan food producers who are looking to supply the UK independent retail sector. They look for great taste, regardless of branding or packaging, taking into account the use of quality ingredients. Lesley Garton of The Chilli Kitchen said: “I do tastings at markets all the time and get great feedback from customers, but when a panel of experts tell you you’re doing all the right things, you really start to believe it.”
Sue’s Fudge has been rated many times by the Great Taste Awards, having received a total of 11 awards. This year, the judges remarked on the smoothness of her fudge, deeming it ‘melt-in-the-mouth.’
John Garton, Chief Executive Officer, Genuine Jersey said: “Every Great Taste winner from Jersey was a member of Genuine Jersey, demonstrating the high standards that we apply to our membership criteria. The fact that more local producers are entering these Awards each year also shows how people are recognising the importance of investing in local produce and the value in buying local. The Association is extremely proud of these members’ achievements and the positive media it brings to Jersey.”
