Cheshire Producers shine at Awards #Blog

Stephen Wundke
30th April 2019

Beat Foods, based in Nantwich and makers of The Square Pie, sponsored our inaugural Food and Drink Producer Awards at this years Taste Cheshire awards and the winners were crowned last Wednesday (24th April) in a glittering affair at Chester Racecourse.

For the first set of producer awards, three featured, with Taste Cheshire General manager Briony Wilson saying she thought this was just the start as she explains, “We had been encouraged for some time to reward our fabulous producers and the sponsorship from Square Pie made it possible. Our judges were given an exhaustive list of criteria to make their decisions and I think everyone involved is delighted with the results. These like our other hospitality awards are set to grow.

Luke Morgan, CEO of Beat Foods was on hand to make presentations and said,

“We were delighted to be involved in this year’s awards and proud to have been able to bring about some recognition for food and drink producers in Cheshire. We know how tough business can be and to receive acknowledgement from your peers can give you a big boost when you need it most. Well done to all the nominations and winners”

The first category presented was the Small Food Producer, to be eligible for this you must have a turnover of less than £250,000.

The winner was The Weston Biltong Company from Weston nr Crewe.

Our judges said, “This is a company who clearly know their vision, they display that on their website, in their branding and when they are out selling their product. They read and understand the consumer demands and they have invested heavily in getting a loyal and active customer base. We predict big things for this Cheshire food hero.”

Highly Commended in this category was both Howl at the Moon Sauces, who judges described as having both a “ very strong product and a clear identity throughout all of their media” and Big 5 Sauces, were judges thought “the passion and drive of this business is undeniable”

 

The second award was Small Drinks Producer (Less than £250,000 turnover)

Here Judges awarded the winning spot to Great Drams, Poynton

Judges were impressed with “the unique concept of small batch whiskeys being both recommended and available. It is backed up with outstanding marketing that allowed the customer to be involved in the product through recommendation and tastings. This is a real winner”

Highly Commended were, Weetwood Ales, were judges believed that “this company are moving ahead and understand both their core business and their expansion, a stronger marketing presence is now being seen and they will undoubtedly reap the results”  In addition judges commended Harrys Milkshakes were judges opined “There is probably no person in Cheshire who knows more about this niche market and the continued prominence is down to the dedication and persistence of the proprietor”

 

The final award was the Large Producer Award was next up and here our judges were delighted with all the nominations as they showed just how far Cheshire has come in both its diversity and originality

This was awarded to The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall

Judges Comments were “This business is a shining beacon within the county, a long term investment in the belief that the product was exceptional and that by reinforcing their brand values in everything they do they were sitting at the very top of both product delivery and customer experience”

Highly Commended in this group was Cheshire Brewhouse where judges believed that “this business has come a long way in a very short time. They have a clear understanding of their place in the market and they have brought together the product and the experience with a well thought out strategy”. Hunters Gin was also commended and comments included “In an incredibly competitive market place this product still manages to shine, testimony to its quality, integrity and identity. When others have disappeared as fads this will remain a winner”

At taste Cheshire, we strongly recommend you give all these products a try!