RYEDALE food and drinks companies have been flying the flag for Yorkshire in this year’s Great Taste Awards, beating off competition from thousands of entrants to secure coveted gold stars.

Often described as the Oscars of the food world, the awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, recognise the high standard in speciality food and drink across the country.

Raisthorpe Manor Fine Foods Ltd, based at Wharram, specialise in a unique range of gins, other liqueurs, preserves and even some chocolates.

The company is celebrating bagging a further six gold stars in this year’s Great Taste Awards for their products and have previously been awarded stars in 2013, 2011 and 2010.

Julia Medforth, of Raisthorpe Manor Fine Foods, said that she was thrilled that the company’s products had been well received by the judges and that they were able to showcase what Ryedale had to offer.

She said: “We couldn’t quite believe it, we entered four of our products and they all got stars which was fantastic.

“It’s fantastic that we are up in Yorkshire and that those down in London doing the judging have liked what Yorkshire has to offer. We are thrilled to be flying the flag for the area.”

Raisthorpe took home three stars, the highest number which can be awarded in the Great Taste Awards, for their Damson Port Liqueur, the first of its kind in the country.

Staff at the manor were also celebrating bagging stars for their Sloe Whisky, Sloe Port Jelly and Sloe Gin.

Ryedale, and Malton in particular, is fast becoming known as the foodie capital of Yorkshire and other Ryedale businesses were celebrating success in the awards as well.

Thixendale based Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil was awarded a two star rating for its Oak Smoked Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil whilst Yorkshire Wolds Apples, based just outside of Malton, were awarded two stars for their freshly pressed apple juice.

The company had been awarded three stars the previous year but now under new management, Joe Cole, said that he was thrilled. “We think it is fantastic for our first time,” he said.

Malton’s Karro Food Group also brought home numerous gold stars; picking up two for their Cookstown smoked back bacon and Dunnes Stores my family favourites unsmoked Irish streaky rashers. The group was also awarded a gold star for their Dunnes Stores Simply Better dry cured whisky smoked Irish gammon joint.