Final call for entries for 2016 Food & Drink Devon Awards

Calling all Devon-based food and drink producers, cafés, restaurants, hotels and speciality retailers, the Food & Drink Devon Awards 2016 close for entries on Monday 18th April. The annual Awards celebrate the most respected, influential and passionate artisan food and drink producers and establishments the county has to offer. The Awards will be presented on Monday 10th October by food and drink broadcaster and BBC Radio 2's one and only Nigel Barden at the Deer Park Country House Hotel in the newly launched Orangery.

With a broad spectrum of categories across the Devon food and drink scene, there is something for everyone. The Retail Awards up for the taking include ‘Best Producer’, ‘Best Packaging’, ‘Best Retailer’ and ‘Best Online Retailer’. Dartmoor Farmers took the accolade of ‘Best Producer’ last year with Bell & Loxton, G.T. Orsman and The Well Hung Meat Company all winning other top awards.

A key player in the Devon food, drink and tourism industry, the Hospitality sector is also acknowledged with a number of highly sought after Awards including ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’, which last year was deservedly won by Prince Hall Hotel, near Two Bridges. Other awards include the ‘Best Hotel Restaurant’, ‘Best Restaurant’, ‘Best Bistro’ and ‘Best Takeaway’.

Michael Smith, a proud champion of Devon’s producers and chairman of the board of directors for Food & Drink Devon, comments: “Every year Devon’s food and drink scene becomes more vibrant and exciting than ever before. With Devon’s wealth of artisan producers and specialist independent food and drink businesses, our Awards celebrate the very best our wonderful county has to offer.” Michael continues: “This year we are privileged to have on our judging panel several high profile food and drink experts including one of Devon’s most innovative chefs, Noel Corston, who will provide all of our entrants with invaluable feedback.”

Kind sponsors of this year’s Awards include The Venus Company, Luscombe Drinks, Stephens Scown Solicitors, NatWest Bank and Peplows Accountants. This year’s exclusive media sponsor is Taste Buds magazine. Guests will enjoy a welcome reception, three-course meal created using produce from Food & Drink Devon members, a raffle and auction.

Food & Drink Devon works tirelessly to increase the county’s profile, both nationally and internationally. Food & Drink Devon - 'Love the Flavour' represents a membership of like-minded businesses, dedicated to providing good quality local food and drink. The Food & Drink Devon association is committed to continuously achieving its mission – to make ‘Love the Flavour’ a nationally recognised brand for outstanding sustainable food and drink.

The organisation has recently hosted a Devon Highlights trip in association with the Guild of Food Writers and has also been present at the International Media Marketplace (IMM), once again bringing the county to the forefront as the current food destination of choice. The new 2017 annual Food & Drink Devon Guide is due to be launched soon and The Shops at Dartington Food Fair is taking place on Sunday 29th and Monday 30th May in association with Food & Drink Devon.

For more information on Food & Drink Devon please visit www.lovetheflavour.co.uk and follow @lovetheflavour on Twitter. For further information about the Awards or to enter please contact Ali Neagle on 07789 666064 or email awards@lovetheflavour.co.uk.

-ENDS-

For further information, photography or an interview with Michael Smith, please contact:
Hayley Reynolds at RAW PR and Marketing - hayley@rawprandmarketing.co.uk;
Telephone: 01548 550 429 / 07887 474 104
Twitter: @HayleyJReynolds / @RawSW