First round of local businesses crowned winners for their produce at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2021/22
The first round of winners of this year's Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards (WNFDA) have been announced at Rockingham Castle.
The winners of the first categories were announced during the Rockingham Castle Food and Drink Fair on Saturday, July 17, which give the prestigious awards boosted exposure amongst the general public and an array of local, regional and national businesses.
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Hide AdThis year, the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drinks Awards will be recognising food and drink businesses from around the county with two announcements culminating in the annual awards ceremony held in October.
Awards founder, Rachel Mallows, said: "We want to be able to celebrate successful food and drink producers throughout the year, providing a platform for finalists to champion their achievements at major events, food festivals and to their customer base.
"The pandemic has created an opportunity for independent businesses to harness the buy local message and the Awards help to shine a light on those doing great things."
Bronze, silver and gold winners were announced for the following categories: Artisan Local Product of the Year (sponsored by Heygates), Artisan Local Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the Year (Sponsored by Daily Bread) and Artisan Local Drink of the Year.
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Hide AdThe judges had a tough job in shortlisting category finalists as well as awarding the coveted gold, silver and bronze placings.
Food journalist, cookery writer and patron of the awards, Susanna Booth, said: "Once again, it was wonderful to see the passion in Northamptonshire for food made with the highest standards of care and attention, which has endured despite all the upheaval of the past 18 months."
The final results were announced by radio presenter, John Griff and the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson. The results are as follows:
Artisan Local Drink of the Year award winners:
GOLD: Steam Ale - Towcester Mill Brewery
SILVER: Silson Gin - Wharf Distillery
BRONZE: Infusion Set - Jelley’s Vodka and Tea Lab
BRONZE: Black Cherry and Vanilla Rum - New Town
BRONZE: Solar Star - Phipps NBC
BRONZE: Pilsner - Silverstone Brewery
Director of the Towcester Mill Brewery, John Evans - who was presented with a Gold award in the Artisan Local Drink of the Year category for his Steam Ale - commented: "The award has given us an extra boost to our business."
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Hide Ad"We can now look forward to brighter days, producing a top quality product now we are back open for business following the pandemic."
Artisan Local Product of the Year award winners:
GOLD: Blueberry Jam - Friars Farm
GOLD: Jeyes’s Northamptonshire Sauce - Jeyes of Earls Barton
SILVER: Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Ganders Goat
SILVER: Northamptonshire Blue - Hamm Tun Fine Foods
BRONZE: Mango Caramel Popcorn - What’s Poppin’
BRONZE: Picklish - Bite Me Spices
Owner of Friars Farm and Jeyes of Earls Barton, Steve Reid, scooped an array of awards including two Gold in the Artisan Local Product of the Year for his Blueberry jam and Jeyes Northamptonshire sauce.
Steve said: "I’m over the moon. These awards put fire in my belly whilst providing recognition, which helps to raise the profile of my current products as well as our new ventures Northampton Charcuterie and Northampton Cheese Company."
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Hide AdArtisan Local Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the Year award winners:
GOLD: Pecan, Pumpkin and Cranberry Cake - Sophisticake Creations
SILVER: Little Bertie - Hamm Tun Fine Foods
SILVER: Vegan Sausage Roll - Whittlebury Bakery
BRONZE: Mushroom Biriyani - Bite Me Spices
BRONZE: Chilli Jam - Friars Farm
An emotional and heartfelt Gold award win was picked up by the founder of Sophisticake Creations, Mindy Robinson, for her pecan, pumpkin and cranberry cake in the Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year category.
Mindy said: "I was up against incredible competition and feel very humbled. The award gives me the reassurance and feedback that all the hard work and long hours I have put in to building my business is paying off."
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Hide AdFor the full list of the results across the first three categories in this year’s competition or for more information on WDFDA 2021/22, visit www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk or email Rachel Mallows on rachel@themallowscompany.com.
Keep up to date with the latest WNFDA news by following the awards on Facebook at @foodawards or Twitter and Instagram at @foodawardsHQ or on LinkedIn at @weetabixnfadawards using the hashtag #WFDA21.