A PORTSLADE drinks company has won stars for two of its products in the internationally-acclaimed Great Taste Awards.

Gran Stead’s Mellow Ginger Wine and Spiced Ginger Punch can carry the distinctive Great Taste Award seal of approval after receiving a star each from judges for being simply delicious.

Hand-made on a farm in Portslade by Chris and Rosemary Knox, the two drinks are part of a range of sophistical non-alcoholic beverages which have a signature ginger kick.

Mellow Ginger Wine was the first drink produced under the Gran Stead’s label.

It is based on a 150-year-old recipe with the heat of ginger expertly balanced with a welcome hint of sweetness.

Spiced Ginger Punch is the latest addition to the range, launched two years ago, and combines a secret blend of exotic spices with ginger.

Chris said: “We are delighted that our oldest drink and our newest creation have found favour with the judges of Great Taste.

“The Great Taste awards is the food and drink equivalent of the Oscars so to win a star is a huge endorsement for our products.”

Gran Stead’s Ginger Company, which has also recently been shortlisted for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards, is a member of food and drink network Local Food Sussex and is a regular at local food festivals.

Local Food Sussex founder Tracy Carroll said: “I am extremely proud of Gran Stead’s for securing such a high accolade and very happy for Chris and Rosemary who work so hard to produce such quality and delicious drinks.”

Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine food, was established in 1994 and is the largest and most trusted accredited scheme for the fine food and drink industry.

This year, it had a record breaking 12,3336 products judged over 60 days by 500 judges. Recognised as a stamp of excellence among consumers and retailers alike, Great Taste, values taste above all else, with no regard for branding or packaging.

All products are removed from their wrapper, jar, box or bottle before being tasted.

The judges then savour, confer and re-taste to decide which products are worthy of awards.