FOOD and drink makers from across Essex have been recognised in the annual Great Taste awards for 2020.

Following 14 weeks of judging, the results have been released, with many producers in East Anglia now celebrating.

Out of a record breaking 12,777 entries from 106 different countries, 42 per cent were awarded a highly prized Great Taste accolade with 272 based in East Anglia.

While these producers enjoy 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 2020 Supreme Champion, will be announced at the virtual Great Taste Golden Fork awards event, set to take place in October.

This year’s winners have been found through a combination of remote judging and socially distanced judging sessions, after the lockdown began just one week into the schedule.

The Great Taste ratings:

  • 3-star: Extraordinarily tasty foods – around 1.5 per cent of products are awarded a 3-star each year – don’t leave the shop without buying it!
  • 2-star: Above and beyond delicious – 10 per cent of entries will achieve this rating
  • 1-star: A food that delivers fantastic flavour. Approximately 30 per cent of entries will achieve this rating each year.

How Maldon and Burnham's food and drink makers fared

Daily Grind/Novus Teas, based in Bradwell-on-Sea, won two stars for its Fleur D'Orient Oolong infusion.

Its Novus Black Spirals, Novus Citrus Chamomile and Novus Oriental Beauty all claimed one star.

Tiptree's Thursday Cottage claimed two stars for its Gingerbread Caramel Spread and one star for its Lemon Curd.

Kelly Turkey Farms in Danbury picked up stars for its Kellybronze Turkey Whole Bird and Kellybronze Rare Breed Turkey.

McLaren's Christmas Pudding, in Mayland, won a star for its Christmas Pudding.

Maylandsea Smokery got one star for its Hot-Smoked Mackerel fillets while Taking the Pea won for its Smoked Ham Coated Crunchy Peas.