Six finalists announced for artisan vegetarian/vegan product of the year at Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards

Six finalists have been revealed in the Artisan Local Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the Year category, sponsored by Daily Bread Cooperative. They will compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, judged by the Vegetarian Society and announced at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards in October.

The ‘Artisan’ classification includes high-quality or distinctive products made locally in small quantities, often by hand or using traditional methods.

Rachel Mallows MBE DL, Awards Director, said: “As ever it’s an honour to celebrate the incredible talent and innovation of our brilliant local producers. Congratulations to all the shortlisted vegetarian and vegan product nominees, may your achievements continue to nourish and inspire us all.”

The finalists are:

• Hamm Tun Fine Foods: Shoetown Blue
• Northampton Cheese Company Limited: Tongue Taster
• Sophisticake: Pecan & Caramel Cake
• The Jam Queen: Chilli Shallot & Coriander Jelly
• The Loving Chef Artisan: Nettle and Walnut Soda Bread
• Your Cool: Lemon Dairy-free ‘Ice Cream’ with a Blueberry Swirl

Sharon Moses from the Daily Bread Cooperative congratulated the finalists: “With a passion for vegetarian and vegan food, Daily Bread are always happy to sponsor this category and celebrate the brilliant finalists. Despite the challenging economic climate, you have produced some exceptional dishes. To have such a high level of innovation in our county is something to be proud of.”

Jo from Your Cool added: “Recently we’ve noticed an increased demand from customers for dairy-free and vegan ice cream alternatives; we’ve always had a wide range of sorbets available which are suitable, but not really ice creams. We’re committed to using local ingredients where possible, so decided to enter our dairy-free Lemon ‘Ice Cream’ with a Blueberry Swirl into the vegan category of this year’s awards using fruit from local Mee’s Blueberries in the swirl. We’re delighted to be selected as a finalist, especially as this is such a new area for us. It’s great to know we are getting it right and we’ll continue to build on our vegan/dairy-free offering in the months to come.”

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

Results will be announced on 17 October 2024 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported by Portfolio Events.

For more details, visit the Awards’ website – www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk – or call 01933 664437 or email awards@northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk. Follow the Awards on Facebook at @foodawards.