FOOD producers from Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent were among those striking gold in the 2017 Great Taste Gold Awards.

Five products out of 165 entries were deemed worthy of the 3-star accolade from the Guild of Fine Food - described as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world.

Brynmawr-based Miss Daisy’s Kitchen earned the judge’s praises for Mummy’s Carrot-top Chutney while long-established butcher, NS James of Raglan took another of the coveted top spots for Welsh faggots.

Congratulating all the Welsh producers, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said, ‘I am delighted at the number of awards so deservedly won by Welsh food and drink producers. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them all on their achievements in this year’s Great Taste awards.

John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food and organiser of the Great Taste awards, added, ‘The standard of Welsh entries this year has been outstanding. A Great Taste award, whether it’s a 1, 2 or 3-star, is a fantastic achievement and a tangible sign of quality and excellence, which reflects the ever increasing commitment to producing top notch food and drink emanating from the country.

The announcement of the winner of the Golden Fork Awards, as well as the Great Taste Supreme Champion will be made in London on 4 September, as part of the Speciality & Fine Food Fair.