Best producer
This is a new category for 2008 to recognise the hard work and dedication of Suffolk producers. Entries are invited from companies and/or individuals who are involved in the first stages of the produce, whether it be the person who rears the cattle, grows the vegetables or produces the pickles.
Judges will be looking in particular at the following:
- The produce route, eg. seed to plate
- Explanation of ingredients used in produce and evidence of locally sourced or produced content
- Range of products where appropriate
- Presentation of produce in retail outlets
- Value for money
- Evidence of preparation and storage facilities
- Evidence of product marketing and distribution – availability to public
- Use of inventive packaging – eg. biodegradable or recyclable materials
Shortlisted entries
Shortlisted entries
Aspall, Debenham
Aspall is a wholly owned family business with a primary aim to satisfy customer needs with unique luxury products. All Aspall products are made without compromise and combine the experience and expertise of production, with the latest in technological developments to ensure that all products maintain their consistently superior quality and flavour. The Aspall range includes Aspall Premier Cru Suffolk Cyder, Draught Suffolk Cyder and Perronelle’s Blush Suffolk Cyder, as well as Apple Juice, and a range of Vinegars.
Aspall, The Cyder House, Aspall Hall, Debenham, Stowmarket IP14 6PD
01728 860510
Munchy Seeds, Leiston
Munchy Seeds in Leiston, was the inspiration of Lucinda Clay, following her childhood in New Zealand, where she and her family substituted sweets and candy for roasted mixed seeds.
Having moved to Suffolk and recognising gap in the market, Lucinda and Crispin, the husband and wife team behind Munchy Seeds, launched their own business. By carefully blending and roasting premium quality seeds they have created seven varieties, some sweet, some savoury and some hot. All are free from artificial colourings and preservatives and are packed with masses of flavour.
Munchy Seeds, Eastlands Road, Leiston IP16 4LL
01728 833004
James White Drinks Ltd, Ashbocking, Ipswich
One of the UK’s leading fruit juice and premium soft drinks manufacturers, the pressing and bottling is all undertaken in Ashbocking. James White produce a wide brand selection including classic apple juices, organics fruit and vegetable juices, Big Tom Spiced Tomato Juice and Great Uncle Cornelius. Two new products are being launched this season, HeartBeet, an organic beetroot juice and “manicorganic”, an organic range of fruit juices and nectars.
James White Drinks Ltd, Whites Fruit Farm, Ashbocking, Ipswich IP6 9JS
01473 890111
Lane Farm Country Foods, Brundish
Having run a pig farm since 1987, in 1995, Ian & Sue Whitehead decided to diversify into pork products – since this point, Lane Farm have developed dry cured bacon, added value pork products such as Suffolk Roast, hams, black pudding, chorizo and Suffolk Salami. Having sold their breeding herd four years ago, Lane Farm now link with a local pig farmer and collect the pigs at 4-6 weeks old and rear and finish them at Lane Farm. All produce is sold through local farm shops, delicatessens, hotels and restaurants, as well as regularly attending Farmers Markets.
Lane Farm Country Foods, Lane Farm, Brundish, Woodbridge IP13 8BW
01379 384593
Stonham Hedgerow Ltd, Hemingstone, Ipswich
Stonham Hedgerow was established in 1987 as a way of using up surplus fruit from PYO fields in Stonham Aspal. They make a large and varied range of handmade products from local fruits and vegetables wherever possible, and aim to ensure that the products taste just like homemade. The company now produce a wide range of products including chutneys, jams and marmalades.
Stonham Hedgerow Ltd, Main Road, Hemingstone, Ipswich IP6 9RJ
01449 760330
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