THREE Northern Ireland products have achieved the top three-star status at the latest Great Taste Awards.
The premier accolade was granted to Co Derry firm Genesis Crafty for its brown soda loaf produced for SuperValu.
Dale Farm was awarded three stars for Fivemiletown's Ballyoak cheese while Baronscourt Estate was given the top accolade for its wild sika venison French rack.
Altogether, 70 products from the north were awarded either one, two or three gold stars.
Enterprise minister Minister Jonathan Bell said: "Food and drink is a dynamic and progressive industry that's positioned for even faster growth particularly in markets outside Northern Ireland. It is an industry both I and Invest Northern Ireland are keen to assist in achieving its undoubted potential.
"The Great Taste Awards highlight how small local businesses are increasingly catching the eye of major international retailers and food service organisations.
"I would like to congratulate all of those who have been recognised for their hard work and dedication. In particular I would like to highlight the three companies who achieved the three gold stars award.
"Northern Ireland has become one of the UK's main food and drink production centres, a source of products that offer outstanding taste and wholesomeness. As we move towards 2016 Year of Food, these results present an important showcase of the pure natural quality of Northern Ireland Food and Drink."
The award for Dale Farm's Ballyoak premium cheese was one of 13 awards for the company.
Its commercial director for branded products Jason Hempton said: “We are proud to be among a group of Northern Ireland food businesses to have been recognised with Great Taste stars – proof that the sector remains committed to excellence."
The Great Taste Awards organised by the Guild of Fine Food is the world's largest food and drinks awards.
More than 400 judges working in small teams judged 10,000 food and drink products this year at 49 judging days, from April through to early July.
This year the Great Taste judging roadshow went to Wales with a week’s tasting in Cardiff, supported by the Welsh Government. there were specialist test centres for tea, filter coffee and espresso with the remainder of the judging days at guild headquarters in Dorset.
A full list of winners is available at www.greattasteawards.co.uk.
