A CHOCOLATIER in the New Forest is enjoying the sweet taste of success after scooping a prestigious national award for producing treats of the highest quality.

Kerry Witt, owner of Chocolate by Miss Witt, triumphed at the Academy of Chocolate Awards, taking home a bronze award for her sea salt caramel chocolate

The Lymington-based business is a member of the New Forest Marque, a quality assurance scheme supported by the New Forest National Park Authority that promotes authentic New Forest fare of the highest quality, while encouraging people to shop locally.

Miss Witt faced stiff competition at the awards, which received over 500 entries, a record number. The judging panel was chaired by globally respected wine expert Charles Metcalfe, and judges included chocolate experts and buyers, pastry chefs, food professionals and food journalists. Prizes were presented at a glittering awards ceremony at Fortnum and Mason in London.

All of the Miss Witt products use a unique ganache, made from specialist chocolate and Hildon water. This technique allows the taste of the different cacao beans to come through, producing a light and flavoursome chocolate.

Kerry said: “I was so pleased to receive this award after my hard work to develop the recipe, which took several months to perfect!

“When I started the chocolate company in 2012 I couldn't walk as I was waiting for a hip replacement at the age of 32. I feel so proud of my hard work and the progress in the industry I have made, which has resulted in being recognised in the chocolate industry at the highest level. I’m particularly grateful to the New Forest Marque for their support throughout the early months and years of the business, which has been invaluable’

Chocolate by Miss Witt products can be bought every Saturday at Lymington Market and at several New Forest shops, see chocolatebymisswitt.com.

For information about the benefits of joining the New Forest Marque, visit newforestmarque.co.uk.