The first of the category award winners in this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards were announced at Rockingham Castle during the Rockingham Food and Drink Fair in July, giving the awards a boost among the general public as well as an array of local, regional and national businesses.
It was the first of two announcements this year that are being made before the annual awards ceremony 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.”
The judges had a tough job in shortlisting category finalists as well as awarding the coveted gold, silver and bronze placings. Weetabix Marketing Director, Francesca Theokli, said:
“We are delighted and immensely proud to be headline sponsors once again during the thirteenth year of the Northamptonshire Food and Drink awards. The competition demonstrates the innovation, talent and creativity we have amongst the food and drinks community across Northamptonshire.”
The final results, announced by radio presenter John Griff and the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire James Saunders Watson, were:
Artisan Local Drink of the Year
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
Artisan Local Product of the Year (Sponsored by Heygates)
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
Artisan Local Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the Year (Sponsored by Daily Bread)
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
John Evans, Director of the Towcester Mill Brewery, said:
“The award has given us an extra boost to our business. We can now look forward to brighter days, producing a top quality product now we are back open for business following the pandemic.”
Meanwhile Steve Reid of Friars Farm 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.”
Mindy Robinson, founder of Sophisticake Creations, 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.”
For the full list of the results across the first three categories in this year’s competition, or for more information on the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2021/22, visit www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk or call Rachel Mallows on 01933 664437 or email rachel@themallowscompany.com.
