Suffolk Food & Drink Awards 2016 - Finalists

We were thrilled to be shortlisted for the Suffolk Food & Drink Awards this spring! In such a food rich county as Suffolk the competition is tough. The annual awards celebrate the inspired individuals and businesses that work hard to bring great produce to our plates and glasses, and illustrate just how important the food and drink sector is to Suffolk’s economy.

It was great to reach the finals in the Field to Fork category which recognises food producers who are passionate about what they do and who develop and market an outstanding and commercially scalable food product. We were also asked to demonstrate our environmental credentials and contribution to the local community.

At the end of April we gathered at Milsoms Hotel just outside Ipswich with the county’s best food and drink producers, chefs, and pubs and restaurants.  It was a glittering event and a great pleasure to mingle with fellow Suffolk foodies.

After a delicious lunch we sat anxiously awaiting the outcome of the competition.

Introduced by Terry Hunt, Editor of the EADT, and Andy Wood, Adnams CEO, the ceremony took place was hosted by BBC Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin and Suffolk Magazine’s Jayne Lindill.

Disappointingly we lost out to Lavenham Butchers but they were worthy winners doing their bit to sell quality meat in Suffolk and it’s great recognition and a helping hand for a relatively new business. As more and more butchers leave the high street, its refreshing to see a couple of young butchers doing such as good job of keeping independent butchers going.

Other worthy winners this year included Lane Farm Foods, pork farmers and producers of bacon, sausages, ham and charcuterie as Best Family Business and the much-loved Jimmy Butler of Blythburgh Pork as Food Hero.

We’re honoured to have been recognised in the Awards and there’s always next year to win it!