Six finalists in the Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year category at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards were revealed at the home of category sponsor, Daily Bread Cooperative. They will now compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze awards, all judged by the Vegetarian Society and announced at the awards celebrations in October.
The Artisan classification includes products from local companies that make a high-quality or distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods.
Rachel Mallows MBE DL, Awards Director, said: “As ever, it’s an honour to celebrate the incredible talent and innovation of our brilliant local producers. Congratulations to all the shortlisted vegetarian and vegan product nominees, may your achievements continue to nourish and inspire us all.”
Finalists in the Artisan Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year – sponsored by Daily Bread Cooperative – are: Hamm Tun Fine Foods for Shoetown Blue; Northampton Cheese Company Limited for Tongue Taster; Sophisticake for Pecan & Caramel Cake; The Jam Queen for Chilli Shallot & Coriander Jelly; The Loving Chef for Artisan Nettle and Walnut Soda Bread; and Your Cool for Lemon Dairy–free Ice Cream with a Blueberry Swirl.
Sharon Moses from the Daily Bread Cooperative congratulated the finalists: “With a passion for vegetarian and vegan food, Daily Bread are always happy to sponsor this category and celebrate the brilliant finalists. Despite the challenging economic climate, you have produced some exceptional dishes. To have such a high level of innovation in our county is something to be proud of.
“This year we have seen a variety of dishes, with some being unique, and all at a very high standard. We would like to thank all the entrants for their hard work and creativity and wish them all well.”
Victoria Holton from The Jam Queen said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been selected as a finalist for my Chilli, Shallot and Coriander Jelly. As a new and tiny business, this feels like a huge achievement in my first year of trading, and provides some affirmation that my jams and jellies are actually pretty good. I grow as much of the produce I use as possible, or pick from local gardens, hedgerows and fruit farms, as I’m passionate about using the freshest and best-quality fruit and vegetables to make the most delicious final products.
“All my jams, jellies and marmalades are made in very small batches, often only six or seven jars at a time. Small batches cook more quickly, sealing in the colour and flavour, to make vibrant, flavour-packed products. Over the next year, I’m hoping to expand my range and get The Jam Queen luxury preserves into more retail spaces and spread the joy to more customers.”
The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards shine a spotlight on local culinary excellence. Recognising and celebrating the county’s brilliant people, places and producers, the awards fly the flag for buying and supporting local.
The results will be announced at the awards celebrations on October 17 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by caterers Portfolio Events.
For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2024/25, visit their website or call the awards team on 01933 664437 or email awards@northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk
