A WORCESTERSHIRE food producer set taste buds alight to pick up a top award at a ceremony in London.

Oliver James Foods, from Redditch, took first place in the best cold eating product category at the BPEX Foodservice Pork Product of the Year competition.

The firm’s pork, apple and cider terrine, a country-style terrine that brings out the best in high quality British ingredients, was honoured at a ceremony at Butchers Hall in London.

Managing director Kevin Morel, who was presented with a salver and commemorative certificate, said he was delighted with the gong. “We don’t tend to enter competitions but I am so pleased that we did.

“It’s fantastic news for the company and is really nice for the chefs to be recognised for the great work they do. “Our pork, apple and cider terrine is a hugely popular product and we use three different cuts of pork in it. Liver is used for flavour, combined with pork shoulder which is a nice lean cut and minced pork belly because its fat ratio is fantastic and really adds to the taste, as well as moistening the terrine.” BPEX foodservice trade manager, Tony Goodger, said: “The competition is now in its seventh year and showcases the quality pork dishes being served in pubs, restaurants, cafes and schools. “This year there were record numbers of entries, coupled with an excellent and diverse array of products all of which will enhance menus and thrill customers. “The award-winning terrine from Oliver James Foods wowed the judges and thoroughly deserved the honour of being one of the best in the sector.”