Prize-winning Tyrone food firm Ispini only seven months old

 
A family-run Co Tyrone meat company that has been in business for less than a year is among a host of Northern Ireland food producers to walk away with top UK industry gongs.

Around 180 products from these shores were honoured at the Great Taste Awards.

One of those walking away with the top three-star award was Ispini, which produces cured meat outside Dungannon.

The company, which has been in business for just seven months, took the award for its bresaola - an Italian-style cured beef.

Other victors included the award-winning Hannan Meats in Moira, Co Down, which specialises in salt-aged beef.

The business, which is run by Peter Hannan, won three-star awards for its sweet-cured bacon rack and salt-aged lamb. It picked up the highest accolade along with other businesses including Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative and Tempted Cider's elderflower cider.

Mr Hannan expressed his delight on Twitter, posting: "Thrilled to be among the stars of such an array of outstanding food from Northern Ireland at this year. What a result again for NI. 9 x 3 star products received in this year's Great Taste Awards. Delighted to contribute with two of the nine."

Speaking about his win, Jonny Cuddy of Ispini added: "I think it's about using fresh ingredients where you can get them.

"Sourcing the best beef, herbs and spices, and taking your time.


"There is so much good food here, and to be getting that three-star recognition so early in the business is great."

Each of the businesses is still in the running for the overall top award. The supreme champion will be unveiled in London in September.

Across the UK, 12,336 products were judged, with 4,347 awarded a Great Taste accolade.

Other three-star winners from Northern Ireland included Echlinville Distillery, which is based in Newtownards, Erin Grove Preservers, in Co Fermanagh, Rooney Fish from Kilkeel and Baronscourt Estate, Omagh, for its wild venison.