Celebrating excellence in Northamptonshire’s food and drink sector

This year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards are off to a strong start, with encouraging nomination levels across artisan food and drink categories, and a real buzz building around the county’s food and drink talent. But with deadlines fast approaching for key categories, organisers are calling for more nominations to help put this year’s entrants to the test.

Rachel Mallows MBE DL, Awards Director said: “It’s been a brilliant start to this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, with entries from across the county showcasing the huge talent in our food and drink scene. These young people, producers and businesses put excellent food and drink on our tables all year round. At a time of rising costs and ongoing economic pressures, it’s more important than ever that they receive our recognition and support.”

Previous entrants know how much winning this competition can mean to a producer.

Collecting a Gold award in the Artisan Local Drink of the Year category last year, Johnny Howes, Managing Director at Phipps NBC reflected:

“Winning Gold with ‘From the Ashes’, brewed to commemorate the Great Fire of Northampton, was an amazing win for our heritage brewery, especially among such brilliant finalists.

Beyond the brand visibility and recognition of our work, the Awards do so much good for the county. They are a fantastic celebration of our local producers and businesses, and bring the whole community together.

I’d encourage anyone thinking about entering to go for it – the entry process is incredibly straightforward, and it has been a great experience throughout.”

Awarded Gold in the Artisan Local Product of the Year category last year, Georgina Jeyes of Jeyes of Earls Barton is a strong supporter of the competition.

“It was a fantastic moment for us, and the mustard really captured the spirit of Northamptonshire”.

College students continue to flourish when their skills are recognised by the sector. Phil Martin, Curriculum Manager for Culinary Arts and Travel at Northampton College, actively supports his students in taking part, knowing the Awards provide a valuable platform to showcase their passion and potential.

“Over the years, many of our students have gone on to achieve great success as hospitality professionals, chefs and business owners, both within the county and beyond. We look forward to continuing our support for their consistent hard work.”

This year’s sponsor of the College Student of the Year category is The University of Northampton. The University has a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation shaping Northamptonshire’s key industries. Helen Miller, Assistant Director of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise, explains why the University is so keen to support the Awards:

“Supporting the College Student of the Year award reflects our commitment to the next generation driving Northamptonshire’s Food and Drink sector forward. This industry is vital to the county’s growth, innovation and cultural identity, and we’re proud to celebrate the young people who are already making a significant impact.”

Entries for this year’s Food and Drink College Student of the Year close on May 1, whilst Artisan Local Drink, Local Product and Local Vegetarian/Vegan Products all close later in the month. All Gold award winning products are offered the exceptional opportunity this year to be entered into the Great Taste Awards.

The free-to-enter categories in this year’s Awards (with their respective sponsors) are:

Artisan Local Drink of the Year (Warners Distillery Ltd)

Artisan Local Product of the Year (Heygates Flour and Animal Feed Millers)

Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year (SEGRO)

Booker Gastro Pub of the Year (Booker)

Booker Young Chef of the Year (Booker)

Canapé competition (Portfolio Events)

Community Café of the Year

Farming Environment Award (Weetabix)

F&B Achiever of the Year (J Sweeney Accountants)

Food and Drink College Student of the Year (University of Northampton)

Healthy Food Producers (Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust and Eat Curious)

Healthy Food and Wellbeing Workplace (Wellbeing Service, West Northamptonshire Council)

Local Food Hero of the Year (Howes Percival)

One to Watch (Whitworth Bros. Ltd Flour Millers)

Outstanding Contribution to Food & Drink (All Things Business)

Restaurant of the Year (Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited)

Rising Star Award (West Northamptonshire Council)

Weetabix Sustainability Award (Weetabix)

Chef of the Year (Northampton College)

World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (British Pepper & Spice Co. Ltd)

The results of the competition, which will again see finalists awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze, will be announced at the Awards celebrations taking place on 15 October 2026 at The Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported again by national catering awards winners Portfolio Events.

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2026/27, including entry and nomination forms, please visit the Awards’ website – www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk – or call the Awards team on 01933 664437 or email awards@northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk

You can also follow the Awards on Facebook at @foodawards or X and Instagram at @foodawardsHQ or LinkedIn at @weetabixnfadawards