03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Neil Hamilton AM celebrates Welsh products

NEIL Hamilton, AM for Mid & West Wales and UKIP Leader in Wales, has welcomed the success of Welsh food & drink producers in the nationally acclaimed Great Taste Awards.

Mr Hamilton, a member of the Senedd’s Rural Affairs committee, said he was delighted to see the continued success of Welsh produce.

He said:

“We all know that Welsh food and drink is of superlative quality and excellent taste and it is fitting that the sector is recognised for this. Our food and drink businesses make a vital contribution to the Welsh economy.

“I was delighted to see so many producers from my Mid & West Region taking part in the Great Taste and I warmly congratulate all those who were awarded stars, and especially those who gained the highest accolade.
“Entries come from all over the world including China, Russia and the USA so it is no mean feat to be recognised in such distinguished company.
“Well done to all the winners for their great achievement which shows what a fantastic spread of award winning products we have here in Wales.”

Following 75 days of judging, the results of the world’s most coveted food awards, Great Taste, have been released, with many producers in Wales now celebrating.

A record breaking 12,772 entries sent from over 100 different countries, 4,943 were awarded a highly prized Great Taste accolade and a remarkable 204 are based in Wales.

Among the producers who gained 3 stars in Mid and West Wales was the New Quay Honey Farm/ Afon Mel’s ‘really impressive’ 13% ABV Heather Mead, produced in Ceredigion and Garej Spirits Company Ltd’s Jin Talog, organic London Dry Gin distilled in Carmarthenshire.

The panel of judges included; cook, writer and champion of sustainable food, Melissa Hemsley and Masterchef 2018 champion, Ken Tutt, with food buyers from Selfridges and Fortnum & Masons.

Great Taste is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers and a record breaking 12,772 different products were entered in 2018. From this 3,409 were awarded 1-star, 1,326, 2-star and 208 awarded 3-stars.

While these producers revel in their success and begin displaying the unmistakable gold and black Great Taste logo, with 1-, 2- or 3- stars, on their award-winning products, they will wait with much anticipation to see if they also scoop the top awards for their region.

These final honours, including the Great Taste 2019 Supreme Champion, will be announced at the Great Taste Golden Fork Dinner on Sunday September 1, to be held at the InterContinental Park Lane Hotel, London. 

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