ORGANISERS of awards which celebrate the best of Yorkshire’s thriving food scene have unveiled this year’s shortlist.

Businesses in Ryedale are among those vying to win one of the 15 categories of the Garbutt & Elliott Yorkshire Food and Drink Business Awards, which are now in their third year.

York-based chartered accountants Garbutt & Elliott have selected a shortlist of 57 businesses. G&E members and chef consultant and overall winner judge, Stephanie Moon, are visiting their premises ahead of a virtual celebration of winners on October 21.

Shortlisted entrants include Malton’s Yorkshire Tonics which are up for Young Business of the Year.

Both Malton Food Festival and York Food Festival have been nominated for the Spirit of Yorkshire award. Michael Hjort, the artistic director of the York Food Festival, is in the frame for Yorkshire Ambassador along with Gilly Robinson, head tutor at the Malton Cookery School.

Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice are shortlisted for the Quench Yorkshire award, while Castle Howard Farm Shop and Butchery are in the running for the Independent Retailers award.

Tony Farmer, G&E partner, said: “We are delighted to celebrate our annual food and drink business awards with alternative celebrations this year.

“It has been a difficult time for the food and drink industry with the challenges faced as a result of Covid-19.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the achievements of the region’s finest food and drink producers.”