ANNANWATER LISTED IN TOP 50 WINNERS OF GREAT TASTE 2014

Annanwater’s hogget is in Top 50 for taste!

Annanwater, based near Moffat, has secured one of the top food and drink accolades in the UK by being named as one of the Top 50 winners of Great Taste in 2014 with their Hogget Gigot ( Leg of lamb bone-in).

The world’s largest blind-tasted food awards, with 10,000 products, Great Taste, revealed their Top 50 on twitter last week. Annanwater’s Hogget Gigot (Leg of lamb) was one of only two lamb products in the UK to make the Top 50, confirming its status as one of the best tasting meats in the country.

Annanwater’s hogget has now been further judged and shortlisted for a prestigious Golden Fork Award at this year’s Great Taste dinner taking place at The Royal Garden Hotel, London next week.

Steve and Sarah Burchell have farmed at Upper Minnygap in the foothills of Queensberry overlooking the Moffat Hills, for more than 20 years, and 15 years ago they took on Meikleholmside in Annan Water, Moffat as well. They sell their lamb hogget and mutton mainly through farmers’ markets at Dumfries, Moffat, Lockerbie, Kirkcudbright, Castle Terrace in Edinburgh and Mansfield Park in Glasgow.

Speaking about the award Sarah Burchell said:
“All our meat is from animals that grow slowly, maturing naturally on grassland full of hill grasses, clover and herbs, which gives the meat a wonderful flavour. Unlike conventional lamb which is farmed to be ready when only months old, Annanwater hogget is over a year old before its ready to eat. This produces a leaner, fuller tasting meat that can be cooked and enjoyed just like lamb, but with a richer flavour.

“We were delighted to find our hogget had been so highly rated by the Great Taste judges. To have such feedback from a judging panel with such knowledge and authoritative food expertise is incredible.”
Annanwater’s growth and development has been supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economic Development team and DG Food and Drink, and additional support is being put in place to help the business make the most of the opportunities emerging from this nationally important accolade.

Cllr Colin Smyth, Chairman of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure committee said:
“Food and drink is one of Dumfries and Galloway’s priority sectors, and it plays a vital role in our region’s rural economy. We know that Dumfries and Galloway produces world class food and drink, particularly in meat and dairy. This recognition for Annanwater proves yet again that our region produces some of the finest tasting food in the UK.

“I’m delighted that our Council is able to support Annanwater in developing their business and we wish Steve and Sarah the very best of luck at the Golden Fork Awards next week.”

The panel of judges includes Masterchef judge and restaurant critic Charles Champion, BBC Food Programme presenter Sheila Dillon, Great British Bake Off winner Frances Quinn, MasterChef 2013 Natalie Coleman, food buyers from Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Whole Food Markets, and chefs including Michelin Star chef Russell Brown. At a nail-biting Awards’ Dinner at the Royal Garden Hotel, London, the great and the good from the world of fine food will gather to hear who has won the Golden Fork Awards and the final applause will be reserved for the Great Taste Supreme Champion 2014.