Foodie Awards offers chance to showcase excellence

"The whole point of the awards is to really focus on the producers and makers of food and drink that we all enjoy."

 Entries are now open for the 2022 Foodie Awards, created to celebrate the makers and providers of wonderful food, drinks and hospitality experiences across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Businesses have until April 30 to enter for the Awards which will be handed out at the Foodie Awards Night at The Box, Fargo Village, on June 16.www.foodieawards.co.uk 

The Awards will showcase the richness and diversity of the food, drink and hospitality sectors throughout the Coventry & Warwickshire region. They will highlight the collective quality of the region's food offer, while also giving individual businesses an opportunity to shine. 

One of last year's award-winners, Michael Price, has seen his spicy food business. Prices Spices, in Budbrooke, go from strength to strength. 

"I have always had a passion for chillies and started the business in 2012 when I grew too many of them!" he said. "Three years after starting the business I gave up my full-time job at Aston Martin Lagonda to focus on growing Prices Spices. Since then we have been selling in the area and attending food and drink festivals. The amazing food scene across Warwick and Leamington is what makes it special for us." 

Michael is proud to be part of that vibrant scene which is underpinned by hundreds of small businesses each excelling in their own particular area of expertise. 

"The local economy is like the food chain," he said. "You only need to take one or more parts out of the chain and it all collapses. Without small businesses, we would all buying the same things all over the country which would be a great shame. 

"Winning a Foodie Award was fantastic for us and really helped lift our profile. We are now in the midst of setting up a secondary business specialising in charcuterie. We will be pushing out more Italian style Coppa, French Saucisson Sec and Spanish style Chorizo among many more delicious, cured meats." 

Awards founder Jonathan Smith said: "I'm delighted that Prices Spices and all the other winners from last year have grown as a result of the raised profile from the awards. The whole point of the awards is to really focus on the producers and makers of food and drink that we all enjoy. I would encourage all producers to have a look at www.foodieawards.co.uk and get involved. 

"2022 will be an exciting year for the Foodie Awards. After two years of restrictions due to Covid, now we can start doing more and this year it is not just about one event, it will be a rolling programme. We are planning a show where people from the food and drink industry nationally can meet local buyers. We are also planning Sunday Showcase in the summer with things like Best Family Pub and Best Afternoon Tea." 

Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Economy and Place, Cllr Kam Kaur, said: "The Foodie Awards are all about celebrating the best of Warwickshire and there is so much excellence in the food, drink and hospitality sector across our county, the competition is sure to be hot! 

"Throughout the last two very difficult years for this sector, at Warwickshire County Council, we have tried to constantly adapt our support to its evolving needs, as with our Retail & Hospitality Grants, and I am delighted to support the Foodie Awards. I urge all businesses to take this opportunity to showcase their particular expertise."  

For more details, please visit www.foodieawards.co.uk