Cornish Duck In Top 50 Foods

The Cornish Duck Company, which is based at Terras Farm near Grampound Road, has been recognised as one of the top food producers in the world in the Great Taste Awards 2016.

Free Range Whole Cornish Duck was awarded three stars in the prestigious awards, the highest ranking possible.

Cornish Duck subsequently made it through to the next stage of the competition; the naming of the Top 50 Foods, whittled down from 10,000 entries.

The Great Taste Awards is the world’s most coveted blind tasting awards; judged by over 400 industry experts it is seen as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world.

The judging culminates in The Golden Fork Awards which decide the ultimate winners – the ceremony takes place in London on 5th September and Roger and Tanya have been invited to attend.

Roger and Tanya Olver have been rearing free range duck at their farm since 2006.

Roger commented: “We are overjoyed to have made it into the Top 50 Foods – the announcement was made in The Times and completely took us by surprise. The Great Taste Awards are recognised as a mark of the highest quality by the industry and consumers alike, so it’s fantastic recognition for us.”

Tanya added: “Our ducks are reared in a natural, stress-free environment and I’m sure that’s what has enabled us to get such great results. It’s hard work, but it’s clearly paying off!”

The judges praised the Free Range Whole Cornish Duck for its tenderness and distinctive taste, adding that it had obviously been well reared and fed.

For Roger and Tanya, this final observation was particularly welcome; the couple dedicate their every waking hour to the welfare and natural rearing of their ducks.

The farm incorporates a hatchery, a nursery, paddling pools and a holiday park, where the specially bred Terras Ducks thrive in the open air.

The breed has been fine-tuned by Tanya for disease resistance, healthy growth (the ducks have particularly strong legs, which supports development without compromising quality of life) and great flavour.

As well as whole duck, products include duck breast (smoked and unsmoked), burgers, duck eggs and Drake’s Pudding (Roger and Tanya’s take on Hog’s Pudding).

Cornish Duck is popular amongst chefs and often features on the menus of top restaurants in the South West and beyond; it is also available for sale at Truro Farmers Market every week and can be purchased online at www.cornishduck.com.