TWO Pembrokeshire firms are savouring the sweet taste of success after being awarded three stars in the 2018 Great Taste Awards.

Fire & Ice in Narberth and Coedcanlas in Lawrenny are celebrating the accolade, which recognises quality products from artisan and speciality food producers.

Ivan Wilson, partner at Fire & Ice, said: “Our sorbets are all about the taste and texture so to be recognised nationally and to be awarded a 3-star gold and 2-star gold is just amazing.”

The firm’s blackcurrant sorbet was described as “headily fruity, sharp, particularly smooth, light, just divine”, while its passion fruit flavour was dubbed “exquisite” and “refreshing and zingy”.

This was Fire & Ice's fifth award-winning year, but the first time it has been awarded three stars.

Coedcanlas’ Delton Martins Ontario Maple Syryp also ticked the judges’ tastebuds, earning three stars, while the firm’s organic honey, olive oil and balsamic drizzle achieved one star.

Nick Tonkin, who runs Coedcanlas with his partner Annette, said the awards gave buyers and consumers confidence they were buying quality produce, and gave producers assurance they were on the right track.

“This will spur us on in many ways,” he said.

Other Pembrokeshire firms to make the grade include Bluestone Brewing Company and The Smokeshed in Newport, Pembrokeshire Sea Salt Company in Dinas, and Mabel George in Narberth.

Welsh Jerky in Narberth and From Our Farm in Milford Haven appealed to more savoury palates with their beef jerky and biltong, while Cardigan Bay’s hand-picked white spider crab meat ensured the county’s coastline was among the winners.

Mathry firm Farmers Food at Home also earned one star for their rhubarb and ginger jam, and courgette and tomato chutney.

Out of a record-breaking 12,634 products to be judged this year, 177 Welsh firms gained a Great Taste star.

In September, the winners will find out if they have done enough to also claim the top awards for their region, at the Great Taste ‘golden fork’ dinner on September 2, in London.

In 2017, Coedcanlas’ Organic Welsh Blackcurrant Jam was crowned the Golden Fork from Wales.

Recognised as a stamp of excellence among consumers and retailers alike, Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, values taste above all else, with no regard for branding or packaging.

This year’s judges included MasterChef 2018 champion Kenny Tutt, chef and food writer Elly Curshen, as well as food buyers from Harrods, Selfridges and Sourced Market.