"Incredibly good food coming out of Northern Ireland' - taste expert

Nigel Barden, chief judge in the UK Great Taste Awards 2012/13, has acclaimed the achievements of Northern Ireland's artisan producers.

Mr Barden, giving his verdict on this year's awards, which saw 47 Northern Ireland companies winning almost 200 gold stars and Supreme Overall Champion title going to Hannan Meats, the Northern Irish meat and bacon specialist, says:

"After 45 days of tasting nearly 9,000 products this year, it's apparent that there must be a culinary ley line running through County Antrim - there's some incredibly good food coming out of this blessed piece of Northern Ireland.

"To produce a Supreme Champion one year is testimony indeed. But to serve up two in consecutive calendars is remarkable, particularly as they're from different businesses, with no connection apart from the bosses being good mates.

"George McCartney's corned beef in 2011 was outstanding, as is his three-star gleaning pulled pork (shoulder and trotter) which was up there with this year's best. However, this time it was Peter Hannan who ran off with the Supreme gong, lifting the trophy with his pig's cheek bacon (guanciale), which has been produced to fulfil demands from exacting local Italian restaurateurs and enjoys three weeks' anointing with red wine and garlic."

Hannan Meats and McCartney's were also among five Northern Irish companies listed by the UK Guild of Fine Food in the Top 50 British Foods. The others were Cloughbane Farm Foods, Pomeroy, County Tyrone; Kettyle Irish Foods, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh; and Thompson's Family Tea, Belfast.

Hannan Meats also gained a record 26 gold awards in this year's taste event.

Nigel Barden writes and presents on food and drink. He also narrates power boat racing for Channel 4 and occasionally acts as rugby correspondent for BBC London. Nigel's food and drink expertise is regularly sought on You & Yours and the Nicky Campbell Show, and by readers of the Daily Telegraph, Observer and Independent.

After starting out as a wine merchant in Yorkshire, Nigel changed tack and went off to drama school. He still accepts the odd acting job, like playing an investigative hack on The Bill. He has also presented The Really Useful Show, Eat Drink & Be Healthy and Butch Cooks, and he reached the final of the BBC New Comedy Awards.