A Welshpool-based food company’s Dragon Jerky has roared for Wales in the coveted Oscars of the food industry.
The fiery snack produced by Trailhead Fine Foods was awarded its first star in the Great Taste Awards announced on Tuesday. The judges described Dragon Jerky as “simply delicious”.
“We’re absolutely delighted that our beef jerky has been recognised with a Great Taste Award,” said Trailhead Fine Foods Sales Director Emma Morris. “It’s a fantastic achievement for the whole team and reflects our commitment to using exceptional ingredients.
“We believe great products start with great produce, which is why using premium PGI Welsh Beef, sourced from some of the finest farms in Wales is so important to us.
“When you begin with exceptional local produce, you really can taste the difference and it’s wonderful to have that recognised by the Great Taste judges.”
The Great Taste judges describe Dragon Jerky as: “Evenly sized pieces of jerky with a rich, relish like aroma. Subtly balanced, slightly sweet and smoky flavour profile, with gentle building heat on the palate. Simply delicious.
“A nice looking snack. An appealing spicy sweetness on the nose follows through on the palate. The beef can be tasted together with all the notes of heat and spice, held together very well in good balance. The meat itself is also nicely textured, offering a chew without resistance.”
More than 15,000 products were put through the rigorous Great Taste blind judging process but only 6,188 – 41.15% of all entries – received an award.
Dragon Jerky was one of 4,286 products awarded a Great Taste one star, rated as ‘simply delicious’. Two stars went to 1,596 ‘outstanding’ products and 306 ‘exquisite’ products were awarded three stars.
Trailhead Fine Foods describes the Dragon Jerky as “hot, fiery and full of kick” and “not for the faint-hearted”. Marinated with a bold chilli seasoning and infused with the heat of red chillies and cayenne pepper, the beef jerky “brings serious flavour and a satisfying burn that spice-lovers will crave”.
Dragon Jerky is one of the company’s Get Jerky collection of flavoured jerky snacks, made from PGI Welsh Beef, sourced from trusted farms known for exceptional quality and traceability.
Ideal as a post-workout pick-me-up or a bold snack to fuel adventures, Dragon Jerky is high in protein, rich in iron and zinc, low in fat and gluten free.
Other flavours in the collection are BBQ, Original, Black Pepper, Black Garlic and Ginger, Devil’s Wrath and Real Ale.
Trailhead Fine Foods also creates award-winning Salt Beef, which is also made from GI Welsh Beef and stocked across Wales and the borders.
Both the Get Jerky and Salt Beef products can be ordered online at https://www.getjerky.wales/shop/
Picture caption: Trailhead Fine Foods Sales Director Emma Morris and Production Manager Ian Beamond with the Great Taste Award winning Dragon Jerky
