Peter Newill - Jaspers Artisan Coffee

National accolades for Isle of Wight food producers in the Great Taste Awards

Following Thursday’s news of The Tomato Stall’s three wins at the Great Taste Awards, it’s brilliant to hear of other Isle of Wight producers picking up awards.

The Great Taste Awards are the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers.

Jasper’s Artisan Coffee, which is based at Brading, was selected from 10,000 entries for their excellent Buxom Espresso Blend. The win means they’ll be able to carry the Great Taste Awards label on the product,

Peter Newill (Roaster for Jasper’s Artisan Coffee – pictured) said,

“Our Buxom Blend has been recognised for its unique flavour and quality. We are a small family business and so we are proud to have such an accolade. We look forward to sharing our love of coffee with other coffee lovers on the Island.

“We would also like to thank other Island businesses that have supported us this year and to congratulate the other three Island winners of this award.”

Four awards for Catch
Those other winners included Hayley Elston of Catch Ltd for no less than four products. Smokey Bill – the handmade smoked haddock fishcake, Seabass Amour – the classic French fishcake, Lobster Oil and Tantalising Tartare Sauce.

Wild Island
Congratulations are also in order for Nuala Grandcourt of Wild Island.

Nuala has a wonderful range of artisan products, but it was the Cherry Vinegar that wowed the judges. She takes Isle of Wight Godshill cherries and slowly infuses them into cider vinegar.

Judges for the awards
The panel of judges included Masterchef judge and restaurant critic Charles Campion, TV presenter and cook, Aggie Mackenzie, Great British Bake Off winner, Frances Quinn, Masterchef the Professionals finalist, Adam Handling, food buyers from Harrods, Selfridges, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, and chefs including James Golding, Chef Director of The Pig hotel group, who have together tasted and re-judged the 3-star winners to finally agree on the 2015 Top 50 Foods.

Well done to all involved.