High sheriffs sample the best of Sussex food

Refreshing, heart warming, tangy, lively, robust and even squidgy was the Sussex High Sheriffs’ verdict on local produce at an awards night.

Finalists from the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2012/13 came together for an evening at the newly re-furbished Norfolk Pavilion at Ardingly Showground.

East Sussex High Sheriff David Allam and West Sussex High Sheriff Andrewjohn Stephenson Clarke from the Borde Hill Estate, joined awards director Paula Seager on stage in front of 120 leading lights in the local food industry to sample the superb produce available in the county, including sparkling wine, sausages, cheese and apple juice.

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They were given the opportunity to provide just one word to describe each product’s taste and thereby characterise the produce of Sussex.

“Public voting for our 75 finalists in this year’s awards is already under way and well up on last year, not just because we have improved our online voting system and introduced text voting for the first time, but because the growing trend is to buy local,” said Paula, MD of Natural PR.

“The awards are all about boosting the market for Sussex produce and letting people in the county know about the fantastic food and drink grown and made in the county, as well as the great restaurants, pubs, cafes and food shops where it can be bought and enjoyed.

“Everyone has a strong opinion when it comes to food and drink and we urge people to try out the produce on our finalists list and vote for their favourites at www. sussexfoodawards.biz now – there are some real hidden treasures to be found!”

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The award categories include: Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by The Southern Co-operative; Best Sussex Eating Experience, sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter; Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Knill James; Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harveys; Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Cheese Please and Gram UK Ltd; Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by Natural Farms; Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR; Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop, sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network.

Voting is now open for the public to choose their favourites - all details at www.sussexfoodawards.biz.

Voting closes on October 14 and winners will be revealed at a stunning seven-course Sussex banquet, at the Amex Stadium in January 2013.

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