A Penrith man is celebrating after his company’s variety of chilli-based products won six awards at the annual Great Taste Awards.

Adam Marks has run Mr Vikkis since 2005, where he has created a selection of Indian chilli pickle, chutney and sauce produce using unique recipes grown in the Lake District.

Mr Vikkis products continue to win food awards, and last week saw the company earn more, including a three-star rating from the Great Taste Awards for their chilli jam, the highest rating they can offer.

Only 2% of products that go through the rigorous and independent judging panel are awarded three stars each year. The chilli jam was noted for having a ‘glossy appearance, slight smoky aroma and sweet jam notes’ and that the balance of spices, chilli heat and fruity sweetness in the jam had been ‘executed expertly’. As well as the three-star award for the jam, Mr Vikkis also saw their Harry’s brown, Lurch and Sambal Naga sauces as well as their Hot Brinjal pickle all receive a one-star rating. Known for being ‘simply delicious’, only 25% of products that are judged for the awards pick up a one-star rating.

Speaking after winning the awards, Adam said: “We have now won 123 awards since starting, including a Golden Fork award which is considered as the Holy Grail in the culinary world. It is really hard and scarce winning some of these accolades and for that, I am over the moon.”

Adam attends a weekly market in Keswick where he sells the wide range of products created by the company, including the banana habanero sauce that won two-star Great Taste Awards in 2009 and 2010 and a three-star gold winner in 2013. They also attend Chilli festivals all over the country.

When asked how members of the public can pick up a jar of Mr Vikkis, Adam answered: “The majority of our sales go through our online store. We are not available in any supermarket, but we have products in a lot of outlets throughout Cumbria.

“On the subject, I just want to give a massive shout out to Taste Cumbria. It is a really big event for Mr Vikkis and I’d personally like to thank its organisers for all of their help.”

If you would like to find out more information on the company or wish to buy any of their products, visit mrvikkis.co.uk.