Dumfries and Galloway Council has congratulated 5 of the region’s food and drink producers who have won top awards at this years’ Great Taste Awards.
The Council has also pledged to support the businesses to make the most of their achievements.
Councillor Colin Smyth, chairman of the Economy, Environment and Infrastructure committee, said, “These are fantastic achievements for the businesses involved, and it’s particularly heartening to see the success of small and micro businesses in achieving the very sought after two star award in these very prestigious industry awards. Food and drink is one of our region’s priority economic sectors. Council officers have already made contact with the businesses involved to see how we can further support these small but growing businesses to capitalise on this industry recognition for their products.”
Lorna Young of DG Food and Drink, the regional industry interface for small food and drink businesses, said, “Awards are an ideal way for a small business to raise their profile and receive industry recognition from some of the UK’s top food judges. We already know that the quality of food and drink produced in Dumfries and Galloway is outstanding and it’s wonderful to see that quality reflected in these Great Taste awards.”
5 Dumfries and Galloway based businesses were awarded Great Taste Awards, 4 of them small and medium sized enterprises to which Dumfries and Galloway Council actively offers support.
Wee Sweetie, based in Dumfries, was awarded 2 stars for Naked Fudge. The judges commented: ‘Proper, traditional, not-mucked-about-with, as-it-should-be, delicious fudge! In a world of matcha and salted caramel, it is a treat to taste something that relies on the quality of the raw ingredients. Simple ingredients cooked well! We could have eaten a lot more. Well done! Table 99: A super fudge with honest natural flavours. Not overly sweet. Melts in the mouth. Buttery and creamy, it does not catch the back of the throat with heavy sugar; it’s just delicious!’
Garrocher Market Garden, based in Creetown, was awarded 2 stars for Garrocher Gray, Scottish Black Tea with Monarda Flowers. The judges commented: ‘Distinct flavours are delivered well at different levels; there is some gentle sweetness and mild smokiness. Very well made.’
Galloway Lodge Preserves from Gatehouse of Fleet was awarded 2 stars for Raspberry Jam. Judges commented: “Glossy, fruity appearance; delicious aroma. Pleasant light set, and bursting with fruit. The flavour has an intense raspberry tanginess – really moreish. A bright and softly set jam, well cooked and with a good fresh citrus zing of summer berries.”
Annette’s Baking in a Box, from Colvend, was awarded a star for Chocolate Banana Brownie. The judges commented: ‘Very gooey. What a lovely texture! Great natural banana flavour. Really sticky chocolate, not over sweet. We really loved this. Soft and moist, banana and chocolate both apparent. The brownie does not have the characterful top crust to add texture but the sweetness is good and the fruit adds a rich creaminess to the texture.’
St James Smokehouse was also awarded a star for its St. James Scotch Reserve Zested Orange and Pepper Salmon.
