Now in their 18th year, the awards aim to showcase regional products as well as those retailers and chefs committed to providing regional produce in their venues.
The Taste of the West awards are open to everyone in the South West, which includes the regions of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
John Sheaves, chief executive of Taste of the West, said: “We are delighted to launch the 2011 Taste of the West Awards, which highlight the very best of food and drink products and hospitality in the West Country. Entries for the awards have been increasing year on year, with almost 1,100 products judged in 2010, and we expect interest to be even higher this year.
“As in previous years, products will be subjected to rigorous testing by independent industry experts, evaluating them against a strict set of criteria. This helps us to ensure high quality standards and promote a culture of on-going product development.”
Award categories
Producers enter their products into one of 23 product classes, such as cured meat, savoury bakery, and sweet preserves. Judges evaluate each product individually, assessing its appearance, aroma, texture, packaging and, most significantly, its taste.
Foodservice and hospitality members can enter one of five hospitality and retail classes, which are: dining pub, tea room / café, restaurant, retail outlet, and online retailer.
The Lazy Toad in Brampford Speke won the title of 2010 South West Dining Pub of the Year.
Co-owner Clive Walker said: “We entered the Taste of the West Awards primarily to raise our profile as a quality country pub that uses good, locally produced food from small, individual suppliers.
“Linking our business with Taste of the West shows our commitment to the regional food ethos and winning the South West Dining Pub of the Year has certainly helped to make our locals proud of their local, and has increased our customer base at a time when everyone is cutting back.”
More information and entry forms can be found on the Taste of the West website.