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Get your free copyAmongst the businesses chosen were Joe & Seph’s, maker of premium popcorn, Sandows, a young cold brew coffee business, and English wine producer Ridgeview.
Over the coming year, these producers will be supported by the Food & Drink Federation and Cranfield University.
The event was attended by Elizabeth Truss, environment secretary, and expert speakers included Paul Lindley, founder of Ella’s Kitchen, and Justin King, former CEO of Sainsbury’s.
In 2013, 30,000 new food and drink businesses were set up by entrepreneurs in the sector, bringing 16,000 new products to the market each year.
Priti Patel, exchequer secretary to the treasury said, “These are exciting times for the UK food and drink industry, as British brands have never been stronger worldwide. Now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity to create some world-class products that will compete on an international level and create jobs and growth for the UK in the process.”
An interactive map of Defra’s Food Stars can be seen here