A NORTH Yorkshire couple who have brought the authentic taste of Africa to the Dales have been overwhelmed by the response to their business.

Gary Quinn and Thomo Leteane launched their own range of biltong, a traditional African dried meat snack, earlier this year, and are relishing the attention it has attracted.

After making biltong for friends and family, who had been enjoying the homemade snacks for more than six years, the couple decided to launch the product on the UK market.

Biltong is traditionally made from strips of springbok or kudu haunch, herbed, salted and left to cook-dry in the sweltering African sun. The result is a jerky that preserves well over long journeys.

But the couple's version is made from 100 per cent Yorkshire beef, brought to their processing plant at their home in Melmerby, then cured and slivered into brightly-coloured packaging.

They took the name Bare Earth for their business to reflect their wish to produce good, natural, wholesome foods. Bare Earth is in the running for the title of Best New Business in the Evening Press Business of the Year awards.

The high quality of local produce and the good supply chain meant it was a natural choice over cheaper ingredients from abroad.

"Where possible we feel it is important to support local suppliers, which is why we chose locally farmed premium beef," said Thomo.

The product was officially launched in April at the Festival of Food and Drink at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, followed in May at the Dales Festival of Food and Drink at Leyburn and sold out at both.

It is stocked by Farrahs Food Hall in Harrogate and Lewis and Coopers in Northallerton. It is hoped it will be sold in all Harvey Nichols stores this year.

Updated: 11:23 Friday, September 17, 2004