Final three announced for Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year

Teresa Lambarelli is hoping to retain her Food Producer of the Year title for a second year running after being selected as one of the three finalists shortlisted for the prestigious award at the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Fellow finalists include Liza Bakes Ltd and Brampton Brewery.

This prestigious title recognises local food producers, growers and manufacturers within 10 miles of Chesterfield.

The shortlisted businesses were selected from hundreds of nominations received by Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the awards in association with Chesterfield College, also headline sponsor of the awards for the second year running.

The winner of the Food Producer of the Year category is just one of 17 which will be announced by celebrity Chef Ainsley Harriott at a glittering awards ceremony being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on Wednesday 29 October.

The shortlisted three were selected from six at a tasting event held on 20th August at Hollingwood Hub, the home of the Canal Trust Partnership in Chesterfield.  Also in the running for the award were Highfield House Farmand Meringue Bakery.

The competiton required each of the businesses to present three variations of their products to a panel of local judges, including Chesterfield Championsand sponsors of the event, NatWest. They were awarded marks out of 10 for both presentation and taste.  Business plans from each business will also be assessed by Destination Chesterfield and will contribute to the final scores.

Mick Littlewood, Relationship Manager at NatWest, said, “We are pleased that so many local businesses are producing such high quality produce and we are delighted to support the Food Producer of the Year award as part of our continued support of local businesses and entrepreneurs. We hope that this fantastic opportunity is going to be used as a stepping stone for each of the six businesses that were shortlisted and no matter what happens, we wish each and every one them the very best of luck.”

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “What should have been an enjoyable evening sampling some excellent, locally-produced food and drink, was a trial for everyone concerned and trying to decide a winner will be an incredibly difficult task.

“It was a very strong field and the judges had a very difficult decision. Each finalist was passionate about their products and took great pride in them. They were also equally passionate about their role as food and drink producers in Chesterfield and how they are actively helping the town receive the recognition it deserves for its thriving food sector.

Teresa Lambarelli said: “Winning last year was an absolutely fantastic, but I’m very nervous about this year, the competition is just so good!”

Chris Radford, Managing Director and Head Brewer of Brampton Brewerysaid: “The fact that we were nominated by our customers is enough of a recognition for us.  To win the award would be phenomenal, but it’s not the be all and end all. To be up against a great range of local producers, that are a testament to Chesterfield themselves, is a prize in itself. I’m so proud to be part of something that recognises the great talent the town really does have.”

Chatsworth Road-based Liza Bakes Ltd distributes its produce all over the country but prides itself in using local goods. Its cakes and puddings have already won awards such as their Orange Polenta Cake which won the Great Taste award in 2013. Louise Milroy, Managing Director of Liza Bakes Ltd said: “We were delighted when we found out we’d been nominated, to be up against such great local food producers is a privilege, honour, and a real tribute to our team and what they create every week.

“We’re strong believers in local produce ourselves, all of our products and ingredients come from local producers like Brampton Brewery and Eyres Fruit and Veg, so we’re proud to be part of a local award that appreciates and recognises authentic, local products to raise the profile of all of Chesterfield.”

This year there are more opportunities for food and drink establishments to win in the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards with the introduction of two new categories – International Restaurant of the Year and the Family Friendly Award.

Other supporters of the awards include Banner Jones, Franke Sissons andIn the Works PR.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain. If any businesses are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards they should contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Source:Destination Chesterfield