Judged by over 400 of the most demanding palates – belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks, farmers and a host of food writers and journalists – Great Taste is widely acknowledged as the most respected food awards for artisan and speciality food producers.

We were singled out for recognition for our Gloucestershire Old Spot rack of loin, which received one star, our Smoked Dry Cured Back Bacon, awarded two stars, and finally our very special Gloucestershire Old Spot Belly Pork, which received a remarkable three stars.

The judges were especially generous in their praise of our Gloucestershire Old Spot Belly Pork, commenting on the, “...impressive appearance and lovely glazed crackling. So, so sweet and moist, with that chewy, crunchy crackling, this is on the button. Seasoning is not really required, so right were the pork notes. It is a piece of meat that speaks for itself. The breed, the rearing, the aging are all perfect. Thank you to the producer.”

To come out on top in such a tough competition and with the caliber of judging so high is incredible. We were simply overwhelmed by the judges response - the panel included Masterchef judge and restaurant critic Charles Champion, BBC Food Programme presenter Sheila Dillon, Great British Bake Off winner Frances Quinn, MasterChef 2013 Natalie Coleman, food buyers from Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Whole Food Markets, and chefs including Michelin Star chef Russell Brown.

Of the 10,000 products entered, just 153 have been awarded 3-stars. Along with the rest of the finalists, we will be re-judged and our pork tasted yet again to finally agree on the 2014 Top 50 Foods, the Golden Fork Trophy winners and the new 2014 Supreme Champion. The results will be announced at a nail-biting Awards’ Dinner at the Royal Garden Hotel, London, on the 8th September.