Altrincham Market has been named among the finalists at this year’s BBC Food and Farming awards.
The market, which received its Charter in 1290 joins ia Cornish catering manager championing school meals, the last dairy farm in Sheffield that processes and bottles its own milk and street food offerings of glorious Devon oysters and Gourmet Goat from Borough Market.
There are entries from across the UK – from a much-loved local retailer serving its remote community on the Outer Hebrides to a Scottish husband and wife team brewing up juices and wines from wild ingredients in Perthshire.
The judges write of the market that it remains a familiar landmark to this day, continuing to provide a wide range of fresh, wholesome produce ideal for a healthy family diet. The market and a new permanent food venue in the revamped Market House sell high-quality produce made, grown, sourced or owned by people in the North West of England.
The market will be competing in its catagory with St Dogmael’s Local Producers Market, Pembrokeshire and Dean Forest Food Hub.
Food category enters new territory as it seeks to recognise ground-breaking work and initiatives right across the supply chain. Finalists Grow Up Urban Farms, The Beef Carbon Project – McDonalds and Our Cow Molly all demonstrate cutting-edge thinking and pioneering work that could influence how the UK’s food will be grown, processed and sold in future.
Sheila Dillon, Presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme and host of the Awards, said: “What’s cheered me yet again going through the nominations is the evidence of thousands of young people going into the quality food business.
“A few years ago it could be written off as the Jamie Oliver effect… the appeal of the life of the sexy chef. Now, it’s way beyond that because wherever you look – bakeries, ice-cream, butchery, delis, fish curing, charcuterie, juices, soft drinks, spirits, beer, ciders – young people are there starting new businesses, reviving old ones, and bringing new blood into established family firms. You’d have to be Scrooge not to feel optimistic about Britain’s food future.”
Food & Farming Awards Judge, Yotam Ottolenghi, said: “Even for those surrounded by food, day-in and day-out, it’s too easy for there to be a disconnect between the food we work with and those who are producing it. It’s a disconnect I’m so excited to be breaching this year, through my involvement with the BBC Food and Farming Awards.
“I have to say I feel like I got the plum posting, judging the category for Best Food Producer. Not only do I get to sample all sorts of deliciousness, I get to go on the road and meet some of the skilled people and businesses so dedicated to the creation of their produce.”
A number of special broadcasts are planned around the BBC Food & Farming Awards. A special edition of Radio 4’s The Food Programme called Meet the Finalists is available on BBC iPlayer, which introduces listeners to highlights of the shortlist.
This year’s finalists will also feature in a special edition of BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme, broadcast on 1 and 2 May. The One Show, Countryfile and You And Yours will feature the finalists from their categories. Winners will be announced at a ceremony held in Bristol on Thursday 28 April 2016 and The One Show with announce Best Street Food or Takeaway live on BBC One.
