Maud’s is Great Taste winner

Maud’s collected one gold star in the annual prizegiving ceremony for its honeycomb, pistachio, and raspberry and cream flavours.

The Sloefield Park-based firm was last year recognised as one of the top 50 tastiest in Britain by the Guild of Fine Food.

Around 70 Northern Ireland companies, including many artisan enterprises, were successful in this year’s Great Taste Awards.

Michele Shirlow, chief executive of Food NI, said the results showcased the quality, innovation and outstanding taste of Northern Ireland food and drink in the annual competition, which attracted entries from virtually every part of the British Isles and other parts of Europe.

She said three products had won the highest grading of three stars, more than 20 had achieved two stars and almost 120 have been awarded one star.

“The Great Taste Awards, sponsored by Harrods, are now regarded internationally as the ‘Oscars’ of the food and drink industry and are highly regarded by major retailers, high-end delis and independent stores particularly in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland,” Mrs Shirlow added.

“Many companies have found that success in previous Great Taste Awards has led to business in Europe, the Middle East and the US. I am confident that successful companies in 2015 will experience a significant boost in their business.

“We will be working closely with the successful companies in 2015 as well as those from previous competitions to showcase their superb products at a series of events across Northern Ireland.”