The overall champion winners of this year’s Taste of the West Awards were announced this week at a prestigious ceremony held at Sandy Park in Exeter. 470 people from the region’s food and drink industry gathered to celebrate the West Country’s finest food and drink, as well as all the best places to stay, eat and shop for local food & drink in the South West. With the help of BBC television presenter Victoria Graham, a staggering 42 awards were given out to 37 South West food & drink businesses.

The Taste of the West Awards have been running now for 30 years and the annual programme rewards the very best food and drink from across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. They truly are regarded as a benchmark for excellence across the whole South West region. This year over 1,200 products and in excess of 350 hospitality and retail establishments entered the awards. At the ceremony on Monday 6 November, the overall winners of each of the 12 hospitality and retail classes were announced, followed by the champion products from each of the 26 product categories.

This year’s Awards are title sponsored by Trowers & Hamlins LLP and Bishop Fleming, who share Taste of the West’s passion for supporting local food and drink businesses from the West Country. Fleur Lewis, Partner at Bishop Fleming, said: “Being able to support and celebrate the success of so many of our wonderful food and drink businesses in the South West is truly an honour. We extend our congratulations to all the food and drink producers, hospitality and retail establishments who work so hard to put our region on the map as such a foodie destination.”
Stuart Mathews, Partner at Trowers & Hamlins LLP, commented: “We are very proud to be headline sponsors of the Taste of the West Awards and to celebrate the smorgasbord of fantastic food and drink businesses that we have here in the South West. What a brilliant evening!”

The ceremony culminated in the announcement of the coveted Supreme Champion Product Award sponsored by Black & White Asset Finance Ltd, which this year was presented to Taste of Sidmouth (Devon) for their outstanding Pear & Ricotta Ice-Cream. The Canned Cuttlefish in Ink produced by Sea Sisters Cannery (Dorset) was awarded the Reserve Supreme Champion Product. Taste of the West’s No 1 Place to Go for 2022/2023, sponsored by Goosemoor Foodservice, was awarded to Highcliffe House in Lynton, Devon. Taste of the West’s South West Sustainability Award 2023 sponsored by Stancold Plc was presented to Westaways Sausages Ltd in Newton Abbot, Devon.

The ceremony was attended by around 470 guests, with representatives from award-winning producers, hospitality establishments, retailers, top chefs, food writers and many others involved with and actively supporting the South West’s food and drink scene. The evening began with a drinks and canape reception, which was followed by a stunning meal, with contributions from local food & drink producers across the region. The event really was a culinary feast to truly celebrate the fantastic quality of food and drink from the West Country, as well as the passion of those who produce, serve and sell it. Thank you to all our sponsors and partners, without their continued support these awards would not be possible.

John Sheaves, Chief Executive of Taste of the West, commented: “This was the largest gathering of the food and drink awards to date in the history of the programme and our sincere congratulations go to all the champion finalists and overall winners. Celebrating with so many winners and supporters, including our sponsors, is particularly special and unique since it comes from the industry itself, rather than Government. Seeing so many faces from our fabulous industry in one room filled me with enormous pride and gratitude.”

A full list of all champion award winners is available here.
Click here to search champion product categories and view finalists and winners by county.
Click here to view champion hospitality categories by county and here for champion retail categories. 

Click here to view and download images from our ceremony. Click here to view the programme from the evening and here to view our food & drink suppliers.

Entries into the Taste of the West Awards 2024 for all hospitality and retail establishments are now open.
Click here to find out how you can enter your business.

Entries into the Taste of the West Product Awards 2024 are now open.
Click here to find out more.
 

The Source trade show is where the catering and hospitality trade comes to shop. From delicious specialty foods and locally produced drinks to major, market-leading brands and artisan produce to suit every taste, The Source is here to inspire great hospitality and facilitate profitable catering. In partnership with regional food group Taste of the West, this trade show will delight your senses with the latest flavours and ideas.

The largest and most highly regarded event of its kind in the South West, The Source stands in a league of its own in the presentation of exceptional food and drink suppliers. Visitors can enjoy a feast for the senses, with complementary tastings, innovative concepts and unrivalled networking opportunities.

Running each year at the start of February, The Source offers the ideal way to bring fresh momentum to your business and prepare you for the trading season ahead. Located at the easily accessible venue of Westpoint in Exeter, with plenty of free parking and a friendly and collaborative ambience, there’s no better way to get the new year off to a flying start than a visit to The Source!

The 2025 show takes place on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 February at Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DJ.
 

To find out more about booking a stand contact Hale Events on 01934 733433.

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Despite the inescapable challenges brought about by the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, nearly three-quarters (72%) of food and beverage businesses in the Southwest are feeling positive for the future, according to new research by PR agency Grayling.

The research conducted through Taste of the West reveals that many businesses are now reporting growth in revenue since the pandemic. Almost half (42%) of businesses grew by more than 20% since 2020, with only 10% staying at the same revenue. Businesses surveyed were part of the hospitality, retail, catering, farming and food production sectors, with 85% being independent businesses.

The main pressure points faced by businesses in the last year are soaring energy prices (34%), increased food production costs (29%) and labour shortages (20%). When asked what would have the biggest positive impact on their business, respondents said inflation going down (50%) and energy prices dropping (34%).

On top of this, over three quarters (88%) of businesses surveyed don’t feel the central and local governments are giving them the support they need compared to sectors like finance, heavy industry and health.

Looking back over the last three years, the industry survived the pandemic through pure grit and determination. Some 55% pivoted their business and yielded positive results including increased community support (37%) and undergoing digital transformations (33%).

Patrick Fraser, Head of the Southern Region at Grayling, commented: “Despite the aftermath of the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis, it’s very reassuring to see that businesses in the Southwest have seen growth and feel confident in being able to survive the rest of the year.

“The industry is integral to communities in the region and its recovery following the pandemic goes to show just how much support local businesses have from loyal customers.”

As a proud Taste of the West member for over 7 years and in celebration of our sponsorship of this year’s Environmental Sustainability Award, Stancold, the South West’s lead internal construction specialist, are pleased to be offering an exclusive opportunity for the community’s producer members this Autumn.

With ever increasing costs for energy and concern for the climate at an all time high, we all like to do our bit to save money and reduce our impact on CO2 emissions. This is where Stancold can help.

Damage, modifications and poor construction principles can severely affect the energy efficiency of the whitewall partitioning on your premises, while cold room doors that are out of shape, not properly heated or have worn seals have the same effect. All of which means your monthly bills could be unnecessarily high.

At Stancold, we know that maintaining the energy efficiency of your internal cold stores, freezer rooms and whitewall partitioning may not be top of your list of priorities, but the hidden cost of taking time to resolve these issues cannot be understated. Many issues get worse over time and repairs can often be quick and simple if caught early.

This is why we’re excited to be offering free-of-charge condition surveys to Taste of the West members throughout September and October, where Stancold’s Project Service Manager, Sam Glover, will join you at your site to assess the general condition of your facility’s internal composite whitewall panels and insulated doors.

His 30 years of experience in food industry construction, many spent working with local food producers, means that he has a keen eye for detail when it comes to identifying panel insulation, undertaking visual door inspections and spotting thermal breakdown.

We’ll provide you with a report that highlights our findings as well as recommendations for any remedial works that will ensure the maximum effectiveness of your existing structures and reduce energy wastage.

Spaces for our complimentary surveys are limited this Autumn so keep an eye out for your invitation email and book a visit at a time to suit you. See you soon!

Project Officer – Membership and Awards Management

Background:

Our awards scheme has been running for almost as long as Taste of the West (TOTW) - 30 years.  It is very closely linked with the company’s membership scheme in that the main benefit of hospitality or retail membership is a free entry (assessment) for the awards scheme, and the benefits of producer memberships include at least one free entry into our product awards.

We are actively seeking to grow our membership which currently stands at around 1,000 members across the South West. These are food and drink producers, retailers, hospitality businesses and those companies who provide services for other members.

The Project Officer role is brand new, and the successful applicant will be targeted to bring in new members, and will also work closely with the Awards Scheme Manager to help with administration of the scheme. We are looking for an enthusiastic person as this is a very rewarding front facing/customer facing role.  The jobholder needs to inspire and create confidence for new and existing members. The position is very much a service driven job with a considerable amount of time spent on the phone and emails etc.

Output – will be assessed by the number of members gained.  We have a 2 year plan to grow the membership scheme from 1,000 to 1,500 by 2025.

Job Spec Requirements:

• The job requires a front of house style and level of communication.  In other words – ‘the customer is always right’ attitude !
• Bright, confident and inspiring style of personality with a ‘glass half full’ attitude.
• Positive telephone manner and not afraid of picking the phone up and talking rather than sending an email.
• The job is a ‘process driven’ job so good IT skills are essential.  Experience in Excel spreadsheets, databases essential.

The Role:

This role is an entry level role ideally suited to a person with a business background, or a professional looking to enter the world of food and drink. Full training will be provided on all aspects of the role as well the food and drink markets. Enthusiasm, initiative, determination, and ambition to succeed would be advantageous.

The position plays a key role with the TOTW team, working in collaboration with the Awards Scheme Manager, The Comms Manager, Business Development Manager and the CEO to achieve the business goals. The role is very customer focused with high levels of interaction through telephone, email, social media, in person visits and attendance of sales exhibitions.

The position is a Full Time role, however we would consider part time working as part of our flexible approach to achieving a better work life balance.

The primary focus of the role is to generate sales through developing strong relationships with new and existing customers alike, supporting new and existing customers through ongoing training and product knowledge and providing excellent customer care and support.

Based out of the Regional HQ office, near Whimple, near Honiton, Devon, the Project Officer will report directly to the CEO and the Business Development Manager and work closely with all other members of the TOTW team.

The ideal Candidate will possess:

• A degree or equivalent qualification (although this is not an essential requirement). You are a good communicator, both verbally and in writing, and you have experience of building relationships at all levels across the business.
• A self-starter attitude, who takes the initiative and can work well independently and in a team.
• A good knowledge of MS Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

THE PACKAGE

In return, we offer a competitive salary, team support, and the chance to progress in a small but rapidly growing company.

In addition to your annual salary, you will qualify for a quarterly bonus based on achievable sales objectives.

We have an ultra-modern hybrid working policy that allows employees to work from the office or home and also to work longer hours during the week and finish early on a Friday.

Other benefits include a salary pension scheme where the company makes a contribution of 3%, 25 days holiday a year plus 9 public holidays.

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity and you feel you have got what it takes, please send your CV with a covering letter telling us why you consider yourself suitable for the role, to the CEO, John Sheaves at Taste of the West.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to: [email protected] or call: 07974 660804

Date posted: 1^st August 2023

Closing Date: 5.00pm on Monday 21st August 2023

Job Description for Membership Recruitment Manager

The company reserves the right to vary or amend the duties and responsibilities of the post-holder at any time according to the needs of the business.

Hailing from Devon with roaring seas and ragged cliffs on its doorstep, Burts makes its crunchy, perfectly cooked potato chips with the utmost care. Having more than two decades of experience crafting premium, hand-cooked British potato chips, Burts has been independently praised for its great taste and outstanding quality.

Made with care in Devon, using only Red Tractor approved potatoes from local growers, Burts uniquely goes direct to farm and sources two thirds of its potatoes from within an 85-mile radius. Its much-loved, small-batch packs are full to the brim with tasty chips thanks to its South West ingredient partners who help to create these authentic flavours. Its core range includes Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar and Mature Cheddar & Onion – from trusted ingredient partners The Artisan Malt Vinegar Company and Quicke’s Cheese.

Family-run, The Artisan Malt Vinegar Company, prides itself on making the best quality products using the best quality ingredients from scratch. Using a careful, simple and natural process it takes months to brew, ferment, mature and bottle its barrel-aged vinegar that’s finished to perfection. This one of a kind malt vinegar on Burts’ Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar chips gives it the unique flavour that’s loved by many.

Burts’ Mature Cheddar and Onion flavour combines Quicke’s mature clothbound Cheddar with spring onions, for the ultimate double act. Devon-based and family-run, Quicke’s uses milk from grass-fed cows, and hand turns its clothbound Cheddar as it naturally matures for 12-15 months, creating a rich, buttery flavour with outstanding depth.

Burts’ key mission is to make delicious, authentic snacks for people who appreciate good food as much as they do, all whilst supporting independent suppliers and growers, caring about its community, Devon home and charities close to its heart, like the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Have you seen our brand new cookbook? Now in its seventh year, A Taste of the West Country pairs award-winning chefs and producers from the Taste of the West Awards to create this locally-inspired recipe book. Copies are now available to purchase for just £12.99 plus P&P (RRP £17.99). If you are a hospitality and/or retail establishment looking to stock and sell the book, please contact us for wholesale prices.
Send an email to [email protected].

Activate your badge for Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2023 - the UK's leading showcase of artisanal food & drink.
Speciality & Fine Food Fair will be returning once again to Olympia London from 11 - 12 September 2023. This is your invitation to join us to meet 100s of incredible producers, learn about the latest trends from our hand-picked experts and discover everything new in our industry. So, what are you waiting for? Register for your complimentary pass today - you don't want to miss this one!

We are excited to announce that this year's awards ceremony will be taking place during the evening on Monday 6 November at Sandy Park in Exeter in a fresh new format.
 
We'll start the evening with a networking event for around 400 guests, with canapes and the opportunity to sample a selection of award-winning food & drink. We’ll then proceed to reveal the champion winners of each product class and the very best hospitality and retail establishments across the South West with the help of BBC journalist and presenter Victoria Graham. It promises to be a lively, interactive event with lots of great food, drink, conversation and company.

Tickets are priced at £62 plus VAT (£59 plus VAT for groups of 10+).

There is accommodation on site with reduced rates for our guests, should you wish to arrange to stay over and make a night of it!

As always, tickets to our annual awards ceremony will be strictly limited. To reserve yours, please contact Caroline: [email protected] or call the Taste of the West team on 01404 822012.