Lidl's streaky bacon wins major UK taste award

LIDL HAS a reputation for being cheap and often cheerless, but the downmarket supermarket has won an upmarket food award.

Lidl’s Glensallagh pale streaky bacon, which is made in Co Tipperary, was described as “close to perfection” by the UK-based Great Taste Awards.

The awards, organised by the Good Food Guild, are given to individual products in the UK or Ireland that are sold in supermarkets and judged in blind testing.

All entries undergo tests by a panel of experts, including top chefs, buyers, food critics, restaurateurs and fine food retailers.

Glensallagh won a gold star from the guild for its product, which retails at €1.49.

The award will be featured on the product from now on.

The bacon is 100 per cent Bord Bia quality-approved and comes smoked and unsmoked.

Lidl spokeswoman Aoife Clarke said the award was proof that Lidl’s lower prices did not mean a diminution in standards.

“We source only one brand of many items so we are able to get the best deal for the customers,” she said. “Lidl has a policy of sourcing the highest-quality products and the award is a testament to this commitment.”