A SMOKERY business has managed to hook a prestigious award from the ‘Oscars’ of the food and drink industry.

Lambton and Jackson’s Maldon Cure smoked salmon won the highest achievement of three stars at the Great Taste Awards 2019.

The Heybridge-based business was one of 12,772 entries which hailed from more than 100 countries.

Through fierce competition, they were one of 208 entries to receive a coveted prize.

The smokehouse was co-founded by Darcy Lambton and Sean Jackson.

Mr Lambton said: “We’ve been on cloud nine since the announcement was made and it’s such a huge achievement for the whole team.

“They all deserve massive credit for the accolade.”

Products were judged by more than 500 of the most demanding palates, belonging to critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, buyers, retailers and producers, as well as food writers and journalists.

In their final comments, judges said their salmon was “fabulously well balanced ... with a succulence that melts and dissipates majestically in the mouth”.

Less than 3 per cent of entries are awarded three stars.

The latest award comes two years after the producer’s Maldon Deep smoked salmon won the smoked fish category at the Great British Food Awards.

Lambton and Jackson’s Maldon Cure smoked salmon is now on the shortlist for the Great Taste Golden Fork regional awards.

The winners will be announced in London early next month.