Popcorn and Loaghtan chorizo top Great Taste Awards

Star rating 'raises profile' of Manx products globally

Ten Manx food and drink producers have been recognised with Great Taste Awards.

PopCornaa, based in Ballasalla, has received four awards, including a three star rating for its vegan seaweed, wasabi and soy flavoured popcorn.

Owner, Emily Tse, says: "I am absolutely thrilled to receive a three star rating for what the judges called an innovative and thoroughly enjoyable flavour combination.

"Entering the market with a bold new take on a humble snack was a huge risk, but I believed deep down that the market was ripe for contemporary inspiration, evolving the traditional, commercially produced popped corn snack into something that’s magical with every bite. This award is inspirational and ignites my passion to continue pushing hard for what I believe in."

Meanwhile, Ballacosnahan Farm was also awarded a three-star rating for its Manx Loaghtan Chorizo.

In total, 20 Isle of Man products have received stars, with Food Minister Clare Barber saying the awards will 'raise the profile of [them] to new audiences around the world.'

Three Star:

• Ballacosnahan Farm - Manx Loaghtan chorizo

• PopCornaa - Vegan seaweed, wasabi and soy popcorn

Two Star:

• PopCornaa  - Caramel popcorn

• Ballacosnahan Farm – Chorizo and Manx Loaghtan salami

• Isle of Man Meats - Sirloin roasting joint

• Red Mie - Manx Loaghtan merguez sausage

• Isle of Man Salt Co - Salted caramel sauce

One Star:

• PopCornaa - Chocolate orange popcorn, vegan caramel popcorn

• Choccy Piccy - Dark hot choccy blend

• Lush Bakes - Elna’s lush-free cinnamon rusks and Elna’s Milk Tart Rusk

• Isle of Man Meats - Antibiotic free Loin of pork, shoulder of lamb

• Paddys Hooked on Fish/Robinsons - Manx beetroot smoked seatrout

• Andreas Meat Company - Manx dragon sausages and Manx spicy Cumberland sausages

• Okells Brewery - Okells NECTAR

• Red Mie - Original hot sauce