THE Garbutt + Elliott 2020 Yorkshire Food + Drink Business Awards opened for entrants on October 18, celebrating Yorkshire’s very strong food and drink sector and associated businesses.

The awards celebrate the food and drink industry in Yorkshire. They highlight the county’s growing position within the national and international marketplace, and play a significant role in recognising entrepreneurs and businesses from across Yorkshire who have been part of creating the county’s great food industry. 

 Yorkshire and the Humber employs the highest number of people in the UK food and drink industry - latest figures have this number over 62,000. The region is home to some of the world’s best-known food companies, as well as the UK’s highest concentration of small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. In fact, figures show we have more than 1,100 food and drink producers in the region, with a combined turnover in excess of £8bn. Furthermore, this doesn’t account for associated businesses such as packaging, design, branding, and distribution – all of which will find relevant categories to enter in their year’s awards.

Whist fiercely competitive, the regional food and drink sector is also, by nature, closely knit and supportive.  Along with the awards Garbutt + Elliott, are creating a new food and drink business network, with the aim of building new relationships to bring together large and small businesses to foster partnerships and share ideas.

In total, there are 15 categories, five of which are new for 2020. You can find out more at www.garbutt-elliott.co.uk/food-awards, as well as following socials via Linkedin and Twitter

Categories include:

Yorkshire Food + Drink Ambassador

Judged by Catherine Scott of the Yorkshire Post, sponsored by Kyte Photogaphy

Business of the Year below £500K turnover

Judged by Rob Whitehead, CEO Zubrance, sponsored by Xero

Business of the Year over £500K turnover

Judged by Valerie Aston, Director Proudfoot Supermarkets, sponsored by Lake Financial Systems

Yorkshire Grit      

Judged and sponsored by The Yorkshire Rows             

Independent Retailer of the Year (including online)

Judged by Natalie Kelsey, Founder of The Curious Foodie, sponsored by Cedar Barn Farm Shop and Café

Producer of the Year          

Judged by a representative from FERA, sponsored by The Northern Farmer

Spirit of Yorkshire (Food + Drink Festival of the Year) 

Judged by Consultant Chef Stephanie Moon, sponsored by Your Local Link Magazine

Yorkshire Brand of the Year

Judged by Rachel Goddard, Owner of The Yorkshire Mark, sponsored by Rollitts

Heart of Yorkshire - Charity of the Year         

Judged by team from Garbutt + Elliott

Young Business of the Year              

Judged by Nicola Whitehead, Founder of NJW Sales Support, Sponsored by York Press

Nourish Yorkshire               

Judged by Tara Harris, Yorkshire Food Guide and Deliciously Yorkshire, sponsored by Deliciously Yorkshire

Quench Yorkshire               

Judged by a representative from FERA, sponsored by Pick and Mix Marketing

Backbone of Business Award            

Judged by William Derby, CEO, York Race Course, sponsored by York Race Course

Innovation of the Year       

Judged by Matthew Kirk and Amanda Selvaratnam, from PAPI, sponsored by PAPI

Overall Business of the Year       

Judged by team from Garbutt + Elliott

Visit: garbutt-elliott.co.uk/events

Or for more information, Email: awards@garbutt-elliott.co.uk, or telephone: 01904 464100

York Press: