Nominations have now closed, the judges have met and the shortlist is being drawn up for the final judging of the 2016 EADT Suffolk Food and Drink Awards.
Only a few weeks to go until the winners are announced at a celebratory lunch at The Hangar, at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, near Ipswich on April 25.
The awards celebrate the county’s superb food and drink industry. With its proud heritage of farming, coastal fishing and brewing, few places can boast the rich variety of produce found in Suffolk. The county grows, rears, catches and cooks some of the best food and drink to be found in Britain, and the people involved make a vital contribution to the region’s economic success. The EADT Suffolk Food and Drink Awards recognise and reward their achievements.
We’re delighted to be able to recognise our producers with these awards, and thrilled with the support we’ve received from our sponsors, especially our main sponsor Adnams, who have been with us since the awards began in 2006. We’ve also added new categories that recognise the endeavour of young people with awards for a School Food Project and a top Young Chef of the Year, and introduced a Best Pub category, which will be decided by public vote.
Here is a reminder of the categories and sponsors. We’ll feature all the finalists and winners in Suffolk Magazine and the East Anglian Daily Times, as well as on the awards website www.suffolkfada.co.uk and the Suffolk Magazine website www.suffolkmag.co.uk, Facebook and twitter.
Award categories and sponsors
Main sponsor Adnams
Adnams plc, a respected brewer, distiller and retailer, is an independent values-based family business committed to a sustainable future. It has been brewing from its base at Southwold on the Suffolk coast for over 100 years and produces a range of cask and bottled beers and award-winning spirits, which are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide. Suffolk has such a vibrant foodie scene, which Adnams is incredibly proud to be a part of. The county has such an amazing array of food and drink producers, pubs, restaurants, suppliers and retailers available across the county, so Adnams is delighted to sponsor the EADT Suffolk Food & Drink awards and join the celebrations.
Best School Food Project
Sponsor Inspire Suffolk
Inspire Suffolk is a charity that harnesses the motivation of sport to help improve the education, life skills and health of young people in need. Its Early Bird programme provides pupils with a balanced and tasty breakfast helping them to be ready to learn. They are keen to hear about other initiatives being delivered in Suffolk’s schools and colleges.
Food & Drink Hero
Sponsor BBC Radio Suffolk
BBC Radio Suffolk is the BBC local radio service for the county, broadcasting news, sport, weather and community events. In 2015, the station celebrated 25 years of broadcasting from its studios in St Matthews Street, Ipswich. BBC Radio Suffolk is passionate about the county and the amazing food produced here. You’ll often hear the people who work to make it so special on Lesley Dolphin’s afternoon show, weekdays 2pm-5pm.
Young Chef of the Year
Sponsor Musk’s
Musk’s sausages have held continuous Royal Warrants for over 100 years. Musk’s symbolise premium quality and excellence, everything that is great about British food. They are delighted to support this award to discover a new talent whose ideas, skills and passion will combine the regions finest ingredients into fabulous dishes.
Pub of the Year
Sponsor Ruby & Scarlet
Suffolk pubs are at the heart of their community whether that be in a small village or a large town. As an independent cookware store, Ruby & Scarlet recognises the value of the support of the local community, and is delighted to be sponsoring Pub of the Year, as well as celebrating what our culinary county has to offer.
Pride of Suffolk
Sponsor East of England Co-op
The East of England Co-op is a proud supporter of local food and drink, working with over 120 local producers from across the region. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to thank and recognise those who dedicate their time and energy to bring the county great local food and drink.
Best Family Business
Sponsor Larking Gowen
Larking Gowen has been around for generations and works for all types of clients, including families. We are therefore proud to sponsor the award for Best Family Business. This award recognises a sustainable business that uses the diverse strengths of the family members, with a plan for future generations – values we share.
Chef of the Year
Sponsor Jam Tartz
Leigh-Ondrea Bendall, owner of Jam Tartz, believes Suffolk offers diversity, innovation and heart felt passion for food, this is shown in the range of products and number of producers in Suffolk. Jam Tartz are proud to be sponsoring the Chef of the Year category of the 2016 awards.
Field to Fork
Sponsor Easton and Otley College
Suffolk has it all in terms of food and drink, amazing country pubs with roaring fires and cracking menus, two of the UK’s best and biggest breweries and farm shops galore. Therefore, Easton & Otley College are delighted to be sponsoring a category at these awards. It’s an honour to be involved.
Best Food or Drink Marketing
Sponsor 032, part of Jacob Bailey Group
032 is a local brand and retail shopper marketing agency, delivering campaigns that influence shopper behaviour in store, online or out and about. With over 30 years experience working with FMCG brands, 032 is keen to sponsor these awards and to reward brands whose strategic creativity delivers against business objectives
Outstanding Customer Service
Sponsor Burgess Group
For over 20 years The Burgess Group has been installing beautiful windows and doors across East Anglia. Every window or door is thoughtfully designed and correctly proportioned to enhance the architectural integrity of customers’ homes. Discover The Burgess Group’s products in one their showrooms located in Woodbridge, Bury St Edmunds or Ingatestone, Essex.
Best Newcomer
Sponsor KBB
KBB, run by brothers Roger and Patrick Peck, is best-known for its kitchen and bathroom installations. The business, which is expanding in 2016, also supplies and fits bedroom and office furniture. Roger Peck said as a company that started as a humble van-based business in 2003, KBB was proud to support the Best Newcomer category.
Best Restaurant
Sponsor EADT Suffolk magazine
For almost 16 years Suffolk magazine has been championing local food and drink, celebrating the achievements of the people who produce, grow, prepare and cook. These awards are part of that celebration and recognition of the sector’s valuable contribution to the county’s economic and gastronomic wellbeing.
Best Cafe/Tea Room
Sponsor East Anglian Daily Times
Every week in the East Anglian Daily Times spreads the word about the county’s excellent food and drink with its regular coverage of local producers, growers, chefs and places to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Sponsoring this award is an opportunity to celebrate those individuals and businesses who are achieving excellence in their field.
