BEST NEW FOOD OR DRINK BUSINESS ESTABLISHED IN WARWICKSHIRE WITHIN THE LAST 18 MONTHS?
Judges and public votes will decide on winners in several categories that focus on quality, service and innovation with an emphasis on farm to fork, including best artisan food and drink producers, farm shop, independent food and drink retailer, newcomer, street food trader and chef or cook of the year.
Three further special awards will also recognise the extraordinary efforts of businesses and individuals throughout the coronavirus pandemic – including the COVID-19 Resilience Award sponsored by Visit Coventry and The Godiva Award, sponsored by Coventry BID. The Foodie Awards will also be raising money for The Trussell Trust network of eight foodbanks in Coventry and Warwickshire.
The next category under the spotlight on is Best Newcomer.
Open to food and drink businesses established within the last 18 months, this award sets out to recognise an innovative business that has demonstrated early success or potential, making waves despite being the new kid on the block. Judges will be looking for businesses with personality and ambition which already play a key role in putting Coventry and Warwickshire on the map when it comes to the food and drink scene.
Co-organiser and Eat With Ellen food blogger, Ellen Manning, said: “It’s never easy to start a new food and drink business, but 2020 really has been the most challenging time to either set up a new business or to keep a fledgling one going. The whole point of these awards is to help support the independent food and drink sector in what are incredibly difficult times, and to showcase the sheer breadth and depth of what we have in Coventry and Warwickshire, from bars to bakeries and retailers to restaurants.
“We recognise that even the most established of businesses are fighting to survive, and our awards champion all food and drink businesses across the sector. But this category shines a spotlight on the newcomers who have sprung up in the last 18 months and are battling on despite these unprecedented times.
“We want to showcase their passion, their innovation and their personality through the Newcomer of the Year Award. Not only will this give them the applause they deserve for starting out in such difficult times, but hopefully also inspire others to pursue their ideas and dreams when it comes to food and drink in Coventry and Warwickshire.”
For a full list of categories plus information on how to enter or become a sponsor, visit the Foodie Awards website.
Written by Amanda Chalmers
