Food NW Newsletter June 2011
Fine Food Awards 2011
We have had a busy few weeks running around tasting hundreds of products with our expert judges. This year we had almost 400 products entered by 132 companies from across Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside which we tasted at three heats around the region. This resulted in 106 products being judged as 'excellent' and given a Fine Food 'Heart' Award, with a further 12 judged as 'exceptional' and given 'Gold' Fine Food 'Heart' Awards. These 12 were then judged again during a top secret tasting with Chair of Judges Nigel Haworth to decide the coveted Fine Food Awards 2011 Supreme Champion. Click the link below to find out who won what!
Visit www.facebook.com/finefoodawards for regular updates on our awards winners - plus if you 'like' our page by 18th June you could be in with a chance of winning an award winners hamper!
Regional Food Producers Recognised With MBEs
There have also been a couple of other special awards presented to food producers in the North West, by none other than the Queen! Both the Hawkshead Relish Company in Cumbria and Wigan's Uncle Joe's Mintball manufacturer William Santus Ltd were recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List which was announced over the weekend. Mark & Maria Whitehead and John Winnard all recieved MBEs for services to the food industry and commitment to their communities. Read the full story here.
Diary Date - FOOD & DRINK INDUSTRY SKILLS DAY - MMU Tuesday 26th July '11
An invaluable range of technical and leadership skills all available under one roof, on one day.
This is an unmissable opportunity for SMEs to upskill their workforce free of charge (subject to eligibility) with experts from across the region.
This event is available through the Food & Drink Growth Programme, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
We will be sending out full details soon, but clear the date now so not to miss out.
Food & Drink Growth Programme Events
Food NW are currently running a series of free skills events as part of the ERDF Food & Drink Growth Programme the first of which are now open for bookings.
The first event takes place on the 28th June and covers identifying operational waste and cost reduction across the supply chain. The event aims to highlight the different types of product and process wastes showing how preventing them can significantly reduce your costs and improve your profit margin.
The second event on the 13th July is a half day workshop that similarly covers waste and environmental issues but this time focuses on the effects that your packaging design can have on your bottom line and environmental impact.
Both events are free to attend and offer practical skills which will help businesses bottom line.
For further information click the links below;
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