Free to enter Foodie Awards are now open

"The Foodie Awards do a brilliant job of recognising the best independent businesses and individuals that keep our local food industry thriving."

The 2023 Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards are now open, and they are FREE to enter.

Now in its third year, these Foodie Awards also follow the successful and inaugural Gloucestershire Foodie Awards held in March of this year.

Jonathan Smith, Foodie Awards Founder, and Director, explained, "Our emphasis is very much on the people and the product and their stories and why they do what they do. It's about promoting locally sourced food and drinks and supporting those businesses who do so."

There are eighteen awards to enter, and participants can apply for as many categories as applicable. New in 2023 include Craft Drink Award, Non-Alcoholic Drinks Award, The Fosse Way Foodie Award, Wine or Spirit Producer Award, Vegan Taste Award, and Culinary Excellence Award. Special awards include the Food Hero and Young Foodie Awards. The full list can be found: https://www.cwfoodieawards.co.uk/enter-foodie-awards-2023.

Key sponsors of the 2023 include: Visit Coventry and Visit Warwickshire. Paul Jones, Managing Director of Visit Coventry, said: "We're proud to have been involved in planning the Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards and being the headline sponsor from the very start. Back in 2021, food and drink businesses were slowly starting to reopen after the pandemic, and these awards were our way of offering much-needed support to a sector hugely important to Coventry, contributing around 30% to our visitor economy spend.

"Today, the cost-of-living crisis and soaring utilities costs mean that continued support is needed now more than ever. Coventry has a hugely diverse and vibrant food and drink scene, and these awards spotlight the amazing quality, variety, and talent we offer."

Christian M Paynton, CEO of another key sponsor, United Fresh Consortium, said: "The United Fresh Consortium is pleased to support the regional foodie awards because we believe in promoting and celebrating the regional food industry and all its benefits. Supporting these awards not only helps recognise the hard work and dedication of local growers, food producers, chefs, and restaurants, but it also helps to promote the importance of supporting local/ regional within a sustainable supply chain and our region's unique culinary experiences. In supporting these awards, we hope to encourage the growth of the local food industry and contribute to our broader community's vibrant food culture."

Katie Todd, @VegFoodEnthusiast, and Vegan Food Festivals, won the 2022 Young Foodie Award. She has since launched her foodie social media and events business and is a 2023 judge and key supporter.

She said: "I was honoured to win Young Foodie of The Year last year. The Foodie Awards do a brilliant job of recognising the best independent businesses and individuals that keep our local food industry thriving.

"I am delighted to be on the judging panel for the new Vegan Taste Award this year. This is a fantastic opportunity to champion vegan-friendly businesses across Warwickshire and Coventry, celebrating those who go above and beyond with their plant-based offerings."

The awards are free to enter, and the award entry deadline is 1 September 2023. For more information, please visit www.foodieawards.co.uk.