English - The Great Taste Awards that are the food industry equivalent to the BAFTAs, this year have received more than 10,000 entries. Food producers have seen off competition from tens of thousands across the country to win coveted Great Taste awards.
An elite few were awarded prestigious three-star gold awards in the world’s largest and most trusted blind-taste test.
One of the most remarkable successes was Hove-based Balcony Tea, a husband and wife team who use independent Albanian growers for their Mediterranean tea blends.
Svetlana and Miraman Nela only entered for feedback – but were amazed to win three awards including a three-star for their peppermint, an infusion of mint, rosemary, aniseed, chamomile and liquorice.
Former nurse Svetlana developed the idea after needing a revitalising brew after stressful A&E shifts.
She said: “It’s amazing. We’re very, very new and never expected to win.
“Our teas are about bringing the best of the Mediterranean.
“One blender said our thyme chai was very brave and had never come across it in 20 years.”
Products are judged by more than 400 industry professionals and allow the highest quality to stand out in a busy marketplace.
Just 153 received three gold stars this year.