It was a fantastic year at the Great Taste Awards 2008 for Taste of Anglia members with over 20 companies achieving gold star awards for their products.

Now in its 15th year, the Great Taste Awards is run by the Guild of Fine Food to recognise quality food producers. This year a record 2021 small food producers entered just under 4,800 foods for judging.

All products are blind tasted by teams of expert judges, firstly to establish whether a product is good enough to be awarded Gold, then again to confirm this, and finally to decide how many stars they are going to be awarded. The judging process is meticulous and as such awards are much sought after, Jonathan Smith from Great Garnett's farm says, “winning a prestigious award such as this from the Guild of Fine Food and the distinguished judges is a wonderful achievement.”

Tastes of Anglia members Alder Tree and Lane Farm Country Foods achieved the coveted three gold stars this year. Both are farmers who have diversified by adding value and using local ingredients to create fantastic products worthy of this achievement, they can be seen at local farmers markets showcasing and giving tastings to highlight how unique their products are.

Bob Farrand of the Guild of Fine Food, said: "These awards have been running for 15 years now and are a recognised mark of excellence that consumers can trust and rely on. The winning products have been through a thorough judging process and we are able to assure consumers that the Great Taste Award logo, which all award winners can use, signifies genuine, proven fine food.''

Dominic Kilburn, director of River House Smoked Salmon, said, “Winning a Great Taste Award recognises the craft and dedication that goes into making superb food and drink.”

The awards help to raise the profile of smaller regional producers to a UK level, Robin and Debbie Slade of Scrubby Oak Fine Foods said: "We are delighted to be given such a prestigious award, it really means a great deal to a small artisan company to receive recognition for one of its products at a National level!"

Julie West CEO of Tastes of Anglia says, “It is very encouraging to see the number of award winners from the East of England continue to rise and that so many of our members have been successful in winning awards. The yearly increase in awards winners shows that the East of England is becoming a distinct regional player.”

Tastes of Anglia with the support of The East of England Development Agency will be attending Specialty Fine Food Fair 2008. This will provide another opportunity to shout about the fantastic produce available and to encourage people to 'Eat East'.

A full list of award winners is given below.