CHESHIRE food businesses proved the cream of the region’s crop after scooping gongs at this year’s Food Northwest Awards.
Chestnut Meats of Tarporley and Cheshire Ice Cream Farm of Tattenhall claimed honours at the prestigious awards ceremony held in Manchester last Thursday.
Goat farmers Tim and Marnie Dobson, who run Chestnut Meats, claimed the award for ‘Innovation’ in recognition of their partnership with the local dairy industry in packaging and supplying fresh goat meat across the country.
After receiving his award, Mr Dobson said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award. Operating in a niche market means we have to be innovative in everything we do and this is recognition of all of our efforts.”
Organised by Food Northwest, set up by the North West Development Agency, to help boost the region’s economy by celebrating the local food and drink industry, the ceremony was hosted by Granada TV’s Lucy Meacock at the Midland Hotel.
Although Cheshire Ice Cream Farm did not win the overall award for outstanding small medium enterprise, director Jonathan Fell was delighted the rural firm was highly commended.
He said: “It is a real honour to be recognised in these awards. We have made a significant investment in the farm over the last two years and it continues to go from strength to strength. “We are incredibly passionate about our business and commit a great deal of time, money and energy into providing the best possible taste and quality.”
Now in its fifth year, chief executive of the NWDA Steven Broomhead added that food and drink firms play a vital role in the region’s economy.
He said: “Despite the difficult economic conditions it is important that we continue to recognise and award talent and quality in our region.”
