Finalists Revealed for the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2025/26

Throughout September, judges have been meeting the talented finalists across the remaining categories of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2025/26, including Healthy Food & Wellbeing, F&B Achiever, Weetabix Sustainability Award and One to Watch. The finalists for the Farming Environment Award have also now been confirmed.

Shortlists are complete, and each finalist has received the exciting news that their hard work and achievements have been recognised. The Awards, now in their 17th year, continue to celebrate Northamptonshire’s outstanding producers, businesses and innovators who help make the county’s food and drink scene so special.

The Farming Environment Award, sponsored by Weetabix, recognises the brand’s growers who have taken meaningful steps to reduce the environmental impact of wheat production – from lowering carbon footprints to encouraging biodiversity and embracing regenerative agriculture.

Finalists for the Farming Environment Award are: Bridge House Farm; J.A. Knight & Sons; Pearson Gape Farming; R.I. Reynolds; T.W. Brown and Son; and Wold Farm.

The F&B Achiever Award, sponsored by J Sweeney Accountants, celebrates individuals who are driving the county’s food and drink industry forward through leadership, innovation and community impact.

Joseph Skinner, Partner at J Sweeney Accountants, said: “The F&B Achiever Award continues to shine a spotlight on the heart and soul of the industry – the people. This year’s nominees have once again raised the bar, showcasing not only excellence but also the resilience, innovation, and spirit that define Northamptonshire’s food and drink scene. Every story shared is a testament to the passion that fuels our county. We’re honoured to sponsor and celebrate these achievements – and the very bright future they represent.”

Finalists for the F&B Achiever Award are: Braybrook Beer Co; McManus Pubs; Mee Blue Berries; New Lodge Farm, Bulwick; and Tap & Kitchen, Oundle.

Headline sponsor Weetabix also supports the Weetabix Sustainability Award, which celebrates individuals and businesses leading the way in sustainability across Northamptonshire.

Finalists for the Weetabix Sustainability Award are: Carbon Neutral Vending Ltd; Ganders Goat; Northampton Town Football Club Community Trust; and Tellus Mater.

The Healthy Food & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, honours local producers and organisations promoting healthier lifestyles – from nutritious food innovation to workplace wellbeing initiatives.

Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, said: “The Healthy Food & Wellbeing Award attracted a great range of entrants this year, each demonstrating real creativity and dedication. From innovative products to outstanding wellbeing initiatives, the finalists provide genuine inspiration and reflect the passion driving Northamptonshire’s food and drink community.”

Finalists for the Healthy Food & Wellbeing Award are:

Innovative Product: Betty’s Caribbean Fusion; Eat Curious; Houghton Hams; June Plum Jamaican Food; and Salma Soulful.
Workplace: Igus UK Ltd; Northampton General Hospital; and Northampton High School.

The final category to be revealed is the One to Watch Award, sponsored by Whitworth Bros Ltd. This award recognises up-and-coming businesses with the potential to make a real impact in the years ahead.

Kim Osborn, Technical Accounts Manager at Whitworth Bros Ltd, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring the One to Watch category again. Every year we’re amazed by the quality of finalists, and this year is no different – which makes our job as judges even harder. The enthusiasm and passion each finalist shows for the sector is truly inspiring. Good luck to all our finalists.”

Finalists for the One to Watch Award are: Baker Benjy; Indi Local; Millies Bakery Ltd; The Folly, Towcester; and The Olde Three Cocks, Brigstock.

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards shine a spotlight on local culinary excellence, recognising and celebrating the county’s brilliant people, places and producers while championing the importance of buying and supporting local.

Winners will be announced at the prestigious Awards celebration on 16 October 2025 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton, supported once again by national catering award winners Portfolio Events. Finalists will be awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze.

For more information about the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2025/26 and all the categories, visit www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk, call 01933 664437 or email awards@northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk.

Follow the Awards on Facebook @foodawards, X and Instagram @foodawardsHQ or LinkedIn @weetabixnfadawards for the latest updates.