This year, 6021 food and drink products were blind-tasted, tested and discussed during two months of intense judging by 350 judges comprising food writers, chefs, deli and farm shop owners, food producers and buyers. Out of this record number of entries, several Island producers and retailers have won a number of Gold Taste Awards, which is great news for the increasing number of discerning foodies living here or visiting the Island.

IW Tomato Stall, Arreton

IW Tomato Stall as featured in our last issue won Gold at the Great Taste Awards this year. The Oven Roasted Tomatoes in Basil Infused Oil particularly impressed the judges and The Tomato Stall’s Tomato Ketchup (which was years in the making!) has received a great response from quarters as well as from Great Taste. For more details, recipes and local stockists see the website: www.iwtomatostall.co.uk

The Bembridge Deli, High Street, Bembridge

This award-winning delicatessen also boasts a cafe, and offers bespoke hampers, and catering for business lunches and small functions. It is run by Jo Davies who has a passion for good quality food. Jo told us: “We are over the moon to be the first on the Island to be awarded with 3 Gold Star Awards. This is a great boost for us as a small business and for local producers on the Isle of Wight.”  The awards were given for Crab Ramekin = 3 stars, Coronation Chicken = 2 stars, Chicken Liver & Brandy Pate = 1 star. The shop also has a new website: www.wightkitchen.com

Minghella’s Ice Cream, High Street, Wootton

Now in their 60^th year, the world famous Minghella’s ice cream has swept the board with no less than eight more gold awards. This latest horde has brought their total to a staggering 66 gained since 2002. The mouth-watering flavours that scooped the much-coveted accolades were: Butter Pecan, Rum-Soaked Raisin, Blackcurrant and Cream, Black Sesame, Totally Liquorice, Cappuccino Coffee, Wild Strawberry and Summer Fruits Sorbet. Understandably, the family are extremely proud of this extraordinary achievement but in true indomitable style they are already looking forward to their next flavour creation. Minghella’s Ice Cream is available from all good food shops across the Island. See the website: www.minghella.co.uk

Quirky Cakes

After only two years in business Quirky Cakes of Shorwell is thrilled to have won a Great Taste Gold Award for its Beetroot & Brazil Nut with Cream Cheese Frosting. Tess Barlow developed her aptly-named Quirky Cakes using different sweet root vegetables combined with nuts & spices whilst working at the Quay Arts Centre in Newport. They work on the same principal as carrot cake and contrary to popular belief can’t be classed as one of your five a day! For more information see the website: www.quirky-cakes.co.uk

The Guild of Fine Food’s Bob Farrand commented of this year’s entries: “It’s so exciting to see the standards of food and drink in the British Isles go from strength to strength, year after year, proving that for those who enjoy great food - it’s there to be discovered”. We certainly agree as food lovers on the Island are spoilt for choice.

Your guide to the awards

1 star = close to perfect

2 stars = faultless

3 stars = wow! You must taste this!

The Guild of Fine Food

Britain’s Best Delis

Chale Green Stores, Chale Green www.chalegreenstores.co.uk

Goodman’s Deli, High Street, Ventnor www.goodmansdeli.co.uk

The Bembridge Deli, High Street, Bembridge www.wightkitchen.co.uk