13 September 2010 -Chocolate and confectionery producers have achieved high levels of gold awards in this year’s Great Taste Awards. Seven companies were awarded three gold stars, the highest level signalling an outstanding product. Demarquette Fine Chocolates achieved a remarkable feat with three top awards for its rose chocolate nougat, Ben Tre Plantations Pure Origin Chocolate 70% Dark Chocolate and dark chocolate with Moroccan mint tea.

William and Sue Curley achieved three stars for their house 70% dark chocolate, the Highland Chocolatier for its Velvet truffle while Chococo’s Fresh Garden mint chocolate impressed the judges and Dartmoor Chilli Farm won with its Dartmoor Dark chilli Chocolate with Coffee.

Two star winners included Pralus, Montezuma, Hotel Chocolat, Blackthorn Foods, Northumbria Fudgery, Westinghouse, Kenmore Bakery, Bennetts of Mangawhai, Kestrel Foods, James Chocolates, Toot Sweets, Lir Chocolates, La Mare Wine Estate, Holdsworth chocolates, Charlotte flower chocolates, Classic Fine Foods and finally Demarquette’s four two star awards.

There were over 6000 products entered from over 1300 companies and the 300 judges are made up of fine food retailers, chefs, restaurant critics, food writers and other industry experts. 81 confectionery companies achieved one gold star award.