Wild Meat Company Wins UK Food & Drink ‘Rural Oscar’

We are delighted to share the fantastic news that The Wild Meat Company was awarded the UK’s Food & Drink Champion by the Countryside Alliance at their 2024 awards ceremony hosted at the House of Lords on 25 June.

The Rural Oscars, now in their sixteenth year, are one of the Countryside Alliance’s most popular initiatives. More than just a rural business award, they honour the efforts and dedication of those who make our countryside thrive.

From Regional Winner to National Champion

The Wild Meat Company won the regional title in the food and drink category earlier this year following an initial nomination and online vote from members of the public. As a result, we progressed to the national finals alongside champions from other regions in England, Scotland, and Wales. The judges had some tough decisions to make, but their expertise brought the very best in Britain to the fore. In addition to the food and drink category won by the Wild Meat Company, champions were also selected for the best pub, village shop, butcher, and rural enterprise.

A Memorable Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremony was hosted at the House of Lords with the regional winners invited to a reception to receive their awards and for the announcement of the UK national champions. Our office manager, Annabel Warne, and I travelled to London for the event. Annabel is the first point of contact for most Wild Meat customers, who appreciate her efficiency and courtesy in responding to their queries, so it was fitting that she should pick up the award on behalf of the many customers who voted.

Despite the half-hour queue to get through airport-like security, the anticipation only grew as we were ushered into the historic building. Though initial impressions of the 'senior' half of the Houses of Parliament were mainly hurried through corridors, the real highlight awaited us at the Cholmondeley Room, with its splendid terrace overlooking the river Thames. We enjoyed drinks in the warm sunshine while sampling a delightful array of canapés, setting a relaxed yet celebratory tone for the awards ceremony.

Hosting the awards was the Earl of Leicester, Tom Coke, who continues his family's legacy at Holkham Hall, one of Norfolk’s premier shooting estates and a historical pioneer in agricultural innovation with the concept of the ‘four course rotation’ for crops.

The award winners were announced by Lord Nick Herbert, Chairman of the Countryside Alliance, who, when announcing the Wild Meat Company as winners of our category, said:

“In Suffolk, there is an abundance of wild game and the Wild Meat Company is a business that was born out of necessity and has grown into a showcase of sustainability. They aim to take the muck and mystery out of buying, preparing, and eating game and promote it to a whole new market. It is clear from the number of votes made by their customers that they have been very successful in supplying that market.”

The presentation of the Wild Meat Company’s award was made by Peter Gott, a legend of wild boar farming and the slow food movement, which was very apt as he shares the Wild Meat Company’s ethos about sustainable meat production.

Reflecting on Our Achievement

Receiving this award on behalf of our colleagues who continue to work diligently at our butchery in Suffolk was an incredibly proud moment. This recognition is a testament to our team's hard work over the years, and it is particularly poignant as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year—a milestone that marks a quarter-century of commitment to sustainable meat production and excellence in serving our customers.

We would like to thank all our customers and friends who took the time to nominate and vote for us. It is heartening to know that the company’s ethos, products, and sustainable methods of production are appreciated by our customers and those in the food and farming community. We are also committed to continue our journey of promoting and providing quality wild game to existing and new customers for many more years to come, and we thank you for your continued custom and support.