FOOD and drink products in Ayrshire have featured in the Great Taste 2024 results - earning between one and three star ratings.

Great Taste is a food and drink accreditation scheme and products are blind tested by 500 experts with feedback being given from chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers.

Nearly 3,500 companies entered into the scheme this year, between them offering 13,672 products for review.

Dubbed the 'Oscars of the food and drink world' - only a small proportion of products can make the grade and are awarded by Great Taste.

In Ayrshire, this year, six products achieved awards, with five companies from across the region celebrating success.

The top grade products can be given is a three star rating. Great Taste say this award is reserved for "exquisite" and "extraordinary" food and drinking - with only around two per cent of entries making the grade.

Only one business in Ayrshire achieved three stars, with Blackthorn Salt - produced, of course, by Blackthorn Salt of Ayr - earning the highest of acclamation.

A further two businesses in the region produced products which earned them a two star grade - handed out to "outstanding" and "above and beyond delicious" produce. Only around 10 per cent of entries earn this rating.

The Coo Shed in Ayr were one of those who earned this rating, with their 'Fresh Whole Milk' coming in for high praise.

While Kilmarnock-based Cameron Confections also earned the two-star rating, for their Cameron Tablet.

The final rating, of one star, is handed out to just a quarter of entries, with Great Taste saying winning products are "simply delicious" and offer "fantastic flavour".

Three Ayrshire businesses were awarded this rating in the 2024 awards.

There was a second success for The Coo Shed, with their Sticky Toffee Pudding earning this rating.

While Cumnock-based company Lochhill Dairy Co also achieved the accolade for their Whole Milk.

The final winner from Ayrshire was another Ayr-based company, with J Pieroni and Sons Limited earning a one-star rating for the Smoked Salmon with Sherry and Spices.

A spokesperson for Great Taste commented: "We’ve been championing independent food and drink retailers, and the producers, wholesalers and distributors that supply them, since 1995.

"Committed to supporting and encouraging business across the sector, we speak up for the needs of the independents, celebrate excellence and create a network of relationships between retailer, producer and food lover."