Food & Drink Champion Award

The Royal Agricultural Society of England’s Food & Drink Champion Awards recognise the contribution that individuals/companies make to independent British food retailing, rather than judging specific products.

Eligibility
The award is open to any food exhibitor at the Royal Show, who is independent. This will cover the Food Hall, the Food Courtyard and the Food Pavilions.

Judging
Judging will take place during the first day of the Royal Show by a panel of three judges. The judges’ decision is final.

Assessment criteria

• Innovation in production and marketing including sustainability
• Connecting with the consumer: engaging customers, education, enthusiasm
• Contribution to British food and farming
• Product taste

Award
The winner will be presented with a certificate and award at the Royal Show Awards Dinner. Up to 10 commendations (subject to judges’ decision) will receive a certificate and Royal Show rosettes.

Past Winners

2008 Supreme Champion

St James’ salt washed Ewe's milk cheese 
Exceptional products with strength in their simplicity, lead to St James’ being identified as the clear Supreme Champion for the 2008 Food & Drink Awards.
A range of cheeses, created through different stages maturity, provide delights to cater for different tastes and a clear story for consumers.  This story was told with a great depth of knowledge and real passion.  The Judges were impressed with how farming, cheese production, marketing and distribution are run as an integrated business.  In addition, the Judges liked the simplicity of the branding, allowing the products to sell themselves.

2008 Reserve Champions (in no particular order)

Wessex Pantry
A comprehensive range of pies with delicious fillings and a wonderful egg glaze.  Wessex Pantry was commended as a business supporting the Devon community and providing products of taste at fair price.

Flights Orchard Organics
Clearly a progressive business, championed by farmers and building on the consumer base and infrastructure identified by the RASE Food Award Judges last year.

Cotswold Brewing Co.
The Judges were delighted to see innovation in artisan lager products as there is undoubtedly a market opportunity in this area.

Aspalls
A market leader in cider with specific commendation diversification with the Apple Balsamic Vinegar.

Churchfields Ice Cream
On farm production and product innovation.  Asparagus ice cream was particularly impressive for a sweet or savoury product.

Cadogan Cider & Perry
Delicious products, particularly the Perry, and imagination in starting this new business.  Perfect branding with pleasing simplicity.  Helping to preserve heritage by reviving old apple and pear varieties.

Cornish Cheese Co.
A good product, strong story, that is scaling whilst still remaining true to their values.

Purity
A clear example of innovation in a crowded area of the market, whilst exceeding stated criteria: collaboration and contribution to agriculture, and  sustainability.

Just Oil Ltd
Product innovation and diversification in an evolving area of the market, with branding and consumer information that promotes the diversity of rape seed oil.

2007 Supreme Champion

Flights Orchard Organics
Box scheme of fresh fruit and vegetables which distinguish themselves through remaining loyal to local values. They have collaborated with neighbouring farms to provide a range of quality products. Additionally customer convenience has been enhanced by the development of their internet ordering facility.

2007 Reserve Champions (in no particular order)

Castlemoor Farm Meats
Judges were impressed by the success of Castlemoor in winning a contract to J supply over half the schools in Shropshire

Richard Haward Oysters
Instrumental in the revival of the Colchester oyster industry. Successful promotion of clams (a by-product of oyster harvesting) from surplus product to profitable element of the business

Tyrrells
Well known successful business which positively filled all the criteria the judges were looking for in the RASE Food Champion Awards.

Birchfield Diary
Although their principal product is ice-cream, the judges were impressed with their butter. There is strong demand for artisanal butter, and the judges saw great potential in Birchfield focusing on this line.

Hogan’s Cider
Superb product locally sourced, pulling together a number of orchards that were in danger of becoming redundant.

The Parson’s Nose
Great story in their heritage as a 200 year old family business but they remain successful due to their innovation and taste.

Hill Farm Oils
Leading the initiative to develop a truly British quality product. Churchfields Ice Cream — imaginative product range with knowledgeable staff who are well trained to engage with their customers.

Flights Orchard Organics
Box scheme of fresh fruit and veg which distinguish themselves through remaining loyal to local values. They have collaborated with neighbouring farms to provide a range of quality products. Additionally customer convenience has been enhanced by the development of tteir Internet ordering facility.

Special Commendation
Taste of Lincolnshire stand. Presented a number of local producers as well as a great example of how to promote local food producers all brought to life with a cookery theatre.