Local businesses announced as food and drink awards finalists

Now in their seventh year, the awards have become a firm fixture in the calendar for the region’s specialist food producers, retailers and hospitality providers.

Zingh Foods, Shrewsbury, has been shortlisted in two categories – its Fresh Tandoori Marinade is a finalist in the prepared foods category, whilst its Tamarind Chutney is shortlisted in the condiments and preserves category.

Also shortlisted twice is The Little Shropshire Ice Cream Company, Telford, for its Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream as well as its Winter Orange Spice Ice Cream.

Joining Zingh Foods in the prepared foods category are Mukaase Foods, Shrewsbury, for its Cape Malay Curry Sauce and Shropshire Granola, Bridgnorth, which is shortlisted for its Shropshire Granola Deluxe.

In the soft drinks category, Story Brands, Oswestry, has been named as a finalist for its Raspberry Lemonade, whilst over in the alcoholic drinks category The Tipsy Tart, Ludlow, has been shortlisted for both its Caramel, White and Dark Chocolate Stackable Vodkas, and its Dark Chocolate Chilli Vodka.

In the Desserts category, The Little Round Cake Company, Shrewsbury, has an impressive three products shortlisted – its Belgium Chocolate Merangz Nests, its Black Cherry Merangz Bites and its Pistachio Merangz Bites. In the dairy category meanwhile, The Shropshire Cheese Company near Oswestry has been shortlisted for its Shropshire Blue Cheese.

Wrapping up the Shropshire finalists is Petton Preserves, near Shrewsbury, which is hoping its Tangy Towerberry Chutney will enjoy success in the condiments and preserves category when the winners are announced at a glittering awards event in Birmingham on May 10th.

The finalists were announced at the prestigious Food & Drink Expo event at the NEC in Birmingham.

The full run-down of categories includes alcoholic drinks; bakery and confectionery; condiments and preserves; dairy, desserts; fresh meat poultry and game; prepared foods; prepared meats; prepared snacks and soft drinks.

Speaking at the announcement of the finalists, Chief Executive of HEART of ENGLAND fine foods Karen Davies MBE, said: “Announcing the finalists in our seventh Diamond Awards seems fitting at such a prestigious event as it highlights how strong the food sector is in the heart of England and celebrates the achievements of those producers who are shortlisted. The standard of entries was, once again, incredibly high so those companies which have now been announced as finalists should feel rightly proud of their incredible achievements.”