Food and Drink products from 58 different countries have been granted the prestigious iTQi Superior Taste Award 2011 by the International Taste & Quality Institute

BRUSSELS - The International Taste & Quality Institute (iTQi) held its annual Award Ceremony on May 26th in the Cercle Royal Gaulois (Brussels, Belgium) to celebrate tasty food and drink from around the world in the presence of the international press, various government and industry officials.

In 2011, iTQi jury of Chefs and Sommeliers tasted 906 products submitted by 286 companies from 58 countries. 661 of these products were praised for their delicious taste.  

The results of the tests can be found on the site www.itqi.com

“Given the importance of taste in consumers’ buying decision, we are delighted to provide companies with a unique marketing tool to better communicate their products superiority. Experience shows that sales volume increases significantly for companies honoured with the Award. The Superior Taste Award provides companies not only with the endorsement of undisputed experts and leaders of opinion in taste, the Chefs and Sommeliers but also with a report including suggestions for further products improvement. This is especially useful for Quality Managers” declares Louis Frère, one of the iTQi Managing Partners.

“Some retailers have entered their private label products and have received an award. They want to show to their consumers that better prices cannot be dissociated from excellent taste. The detailed reports of our judges have been proven to be a valuable tool for the quality managers” adds  Christian De Bauw, also iTQi Managing Partner.

About the International Taste & Quality Institute (iTQi) :

iTQi is the leading independent Chefs and Sommeliers based organisation dedicated to judging and promoting superior tasting food and drink.

A Jury unanimously recognized for its unparalleled expertise

Juries are composed of top Chefs and Sommeliers chosen in partnership with the 14 most important European culinary organisations such as the Maîtres Cuisiniers of France and Belgium, Académie Culinaire of France, Academy of Culinary Arts (UK), Hellenic, Swedish and Portuguese Chefs' Associations, Verband der Köche Deutschlands, Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe, Federerazione dei Cuochi Italiana, Euro-Toques and the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) ) that is present in 41 countries.

Each product submitted is evaluated on an individual and blind basis. The intensity of the gustative pleasure as well as the various organoleptic criteria (aspect, olfaction, texture, taste and after-taste) are analysed and commented in detail. Only products which have received an assessment of more than 70% of the marks receive a Superior Taste Award.