La Mare Wine Estate is one of four businesses in Jersey that have recently had their produce praised for its “great taste” – with the vineyard’s black butter recognised by a global food and drink accreditation scheme.
It joins fellow Genuine Jersey members Jersey Fudge Pot, Jersey Seafood and the Smokey Shed as recipients of awards under the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste scheme.
Pictured: If you haven’t heard of the Great Taste Awards, you may recognise its branding.
Producers and retailers anonymously enter their products into the scheme in hopes of receiving a “seal of approval” from its panel of over 500 experts that include chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers.
Businesses can earn one of three Great Taste Awards for their products – one-star meaning “simply delicious”; two-star which means “outstanding”; and three-star which is “exquisite”.
If you haven’t heard of the Great Taste Awards, you may recognise its branding – a signifier that the product is worthy of recognition in the eyes of the panel.
La Mare Wine Estate was recognised with a one-star award for its Jersey black butter.
Managing director Tim Crowley spoke to Express about what the award means to him…
How does it feel to have your product recognised with a Great Taste Award?
We’re absolutely delighted to receive a Great Taste Award for our Black Butter, it’s a proud moment not just for us, but for Jersey too.
Recognition from Great Taste elevates the profile of our island’s produce on a national level.
What do you think makes your product special?
Our Black Butter is truly unique to Jersey, crafted on-site at La Mare using our own Branchage cider made from traditional Jersey apples.
It’s a product that’s steeped in heritage, made with care and tells a story in every jar.
Can you share what the application process for a Great Taste Award looks like?
The process begins with an anonymous online entry, where no branding is revealed.
We then send off our products for a blind tasting, judged purely on taste and quality.
Do you think the award will have a positive impact on your business?
Absolutely, it validates the quality of our craft and shows we stand shoulder to shoulder with top producers internationally.
We’re proud to showcase our Great Taste awards across our estate and online.
Do you think awards like this help put Jersey’s produce on a national stage?
Yes, awards like this help shine a spotlight on the island’s food heritage.
While Brexit has made international shipping more difficult, we’re continuing to grow our UK reach, with black butter now available on Amazon.
