24th Sep 2007 - 00:00
Abstract
Hampshire Fare producer, Laverstoke Park near Basingstoke, has won 'Best UK Food', the top award in the Taste of Britain Awards run by the Daily Telegraph in association with Sainsbury's.
In a ceremony that took place on Saturday, a further seven Hampshire Fare producers were finalists in all five categories of these national awards.
Laverstoke Park is run by former Grand Prix World Champion Jody Scheckter, now an organic farmer and their award was for their organic Hebridian leg of lamb.
Jody said: "This win is very exciting for us. You work so hard and research all these ways of producing the healthiest, best tasting food, but you can't be sure you're getting it right until you start winning awards like this".
Last year, Jody's lamb won the gold award for 'Best organic product'. As well as producing delicious award winning lamb, Jody also organically farms buffalo, boar, beef, poultry, dairy produce, fruit and vegetables.
Seven further Hampshire Fare producers were finalists in the awards, which encompassed Best Drink, Best Organic, Best Regional and Best Seasonal Food.
Pratt's Food near Andover for their English extra virgin cold pressed rapeseed oil, Mr Whitehead's Cider near Alton for their Heart of Hampshire cider, Summerdown Farms near Basingstoke for their pure mint peppermint tea, Riverford organic vegetables at Norton who were awarded silver for their large organic vegetable box, Cresson Creative at Alresford for their watercress and Hampshire smoked trout mousse, Preserving Traditions at Romsey for their strawberry extra jam and The Isle of Wight Garlic Company for their Vampire's Revenge hot chutney.
The Taste of Britain Awards, now in their second year, have the aim of celebrating the best of British food and drink and to honour, and support those who grow and make it.
Hundreds of entries were whittled down to 10 finalists per category.
Lady Jay (Sylvia), Chairman of Food from Britain, who was on the panel judging these awards said: "People don't want food at any price. Traceability, provenance and environmental impact are also important. The extraordinary quality of this year's Taste of Britain finalists proves that the best of UK food and drink producers are truly world class".
Weblink: www.hampshirefare.co.uk