Fodder in Harrogate has been named as a finalist of BBC Radio 4’s Food & Farming Awards 2016. The announcement was made by Sheila Dillon, who presents BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme. Fodder was shortlisted in the ‘Best Food Retailer’ category.
Fodder is passionate about local food and has set about helping Yorkshire farmers, producers and consumers sell and buy amazing local food, whilst supporting local charities alongside. They work with over 325 Yorkshire farmers to stock their food hall and fill their menus with only the best Yorkshire meats and produce.
The finalists this year include a 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.
This year the new Future 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.
Heather Parry, MD Fodder said:
We are delighted that Fodder has been shortlisted for this important national award. This is already amazing recognition for our Yorkshire farmers and producers, highlighting all their hard work to produce the best for us all to enjoy.
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.
Food & Farming Awards Judge, Angela Hartnett said:
Over the years, The Food & Farming Awards have grown from strength to strength and on this year’s panel we’ve enjoyed sifting through a diverse range of nominations from across the UK.
This year’s finalists are united by their enthusiasm, work ethic and passion for their product. The awards will give them the platform they deserve to showcase their product both locally and nationally – through food and farming.
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.
Each year the BBC Food & Farming Awards celebrate the people and organisations behind the best of British food. The finalists start off as a nomination sent in by a member of the public and then a team of judges, including some of the UK’s best known chefs and food writers, select finalists in each of the ten categories which include Best Food Market, Best Drinks Producer, Best Food Producer, and Best Street Food or Takeaway.
