New Producer Awards 2018 open for entries

The free-to-enter scheme, launched by Speciality Food in association with food and drink founders’ festival Bread & Jam, aim to identify and promote start-ups to give them a head start in a sector brimming with talent.

Businesses that have been running for three years or less can enter eight categories, with entries going on to be judged by a group of editors from top food publications, as well as buyers, distributors and industry experts.

This year’s categories are:

• British Brand
• Farm-to-Fork
• Innovator
• Newcomer
• World Flavours
• Mission-Driven
• Crowdfunded
• Young Producer

On 4th October at this year’s Bread & Jam Festival, held at the Institute of Directors in London, category winners will pitch their products to the panel of fine food and drink industry heavyweights, with the judges selecting who will go on to be named Supreme Champion.

Winners will not only obtain a coveted New Producer Award accolade, but will receive thousands of pounds worth of coverage in the pages of Speciality Food magazine, online and beyond, as well as get their products in front of buyers, wholesalers and key influences in the fine food world.

Jane Steward, founder of Eastgate Larder and winner of the British Brand category of the 2017 awards said, “The New Producer Awards are a fantastic initiative by Speciality Food to showcase dynamic, young food businesses from across the UK.

“Participating in and winning the British Brand category has hugely boosted awareness of our mission to revive the medlar and put it back on British tables. Being stocked in Partridges and Neal’s Yard Dairy, was the icing on the cake!”

Holly Shackleton, editor of Speciality Food said, “Last year saw some truly inspirational new businesses showcase their brand and products to some of the industry’s biggest names and I can’t wait to see this year’s entries. It’s an honour and a pleasure to give start-up producers a step up the ladder. Here’s to the future of food and drink!”

Those interested in entering this year’s awards will be able to submit an application form via the Speciality Food website at specialityfoodmagazine.com/awards.

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