The judges have been busy throughout September meeting finalists in the remaining categories of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2024/25: F&B Achiever; Weetabix Sustainability Award and One to Watch. The Farming Environment Award has also been announced.
Shortlisting has taken place, and finalists have been given the good news that their incredible hard work has been recognised. Finalists in all categories are outlined below.
The Farming Environment category (sponsored by Weetabix) is designed to recognise growers who have taken demonstrable action to reduce the environmental impact of growing wheat through carbon footprint reduction, promoting wildlife or regenerative agriculture.
The finalists for the Farming Environment Award are: Johnny Wake, Courteenhall Estate; Stuart Tabernor, F R W Farrington & Son; William Green, George Green (Bozeat) Ltd; and Jim Beaty, Wold Farm
For the F&B Achiever Award, the judges have met the finalists, who make a significant contribution to the sector locally. Joseph Skinner, Partner at J Sweeney Accountants, the category sponsor, was hugely impressed with this year’s entrants.
He said:
“The F&B Achiever Award is not just about recognising excellence; it’s about celebrating the passion, dedication, and the creativity of those that drive the industry, and Northamptonshire, forward. Every finalist is a story of hard work and dreams. This year more so than ever, the judging process was incredibly tight. We are incredibly proud to be involved, and of all the entrants and finalists”.
The finalists for F&B Achiever are: Luke Bavester, The Old Red Lion Kislingbury & The Sheaf Inn, West Haddon; Lawrence Conisbee, Wharf Distillery; John Evans, Towcester Mill Brewery; John Lashley, Brooklyn Brownie; and Phil Saxby, Saxbys Cider
The awards headline sponsor, Weetabix, also sponsors the Weetabix Sustainability Award. The judges were looking for individuals and businesses that are leading the way for sustainability in Northamptonshire.
The finalists are: Blue Skies Holdings Ltd; Incredible Bakery Company; Jute Coffee; SNVB Community Larders; and Waterloo Cottage Farm
The final category to be announced is the One to Watch category, sponsored by Whitworth Bros Ltd.
Kim Osborn, Technical Accounts Manager said:
“Whitworth Bros are absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring the One To Watch category again and hosting the judging at our site in Wellingborough. This year was a very difficult year in terms of choosing the Gold winner, especially when we were told they couldn’t all be Gold! I was so impressed with the finalists: their enthusiasm for the sector, their passion for their product or place and their vision for the future. One To Watch becomes watch this space!”
The finalists for One to Watch are: The Althorp Coaching Inn; Bad Butler Hospitality; The Farm Kitchen Bakery and School; Northampton Cheese Company and Vaha Lounge.
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.
Results, which will again see finalists awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze, will be announced at the Awards celebrations taking place on October 17, 2024 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 the website – www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk call the team on 01933 664437 or email awards@northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk
