Sausage festival at Croots Farm Shop in Derbyshire

Derbyshire farm shop Croots will be staging a sausage festival later this month…featuring some of its award-winning bangers.

The event takes place on Saturday August 25th at the farm shop in Wirksworth Road, Duffield.

Up to 18 different sausages will be on special offer at Croots, including two of its recently launched flavours sweet chilli, and pork and wild mushroom, as well as a number of its award-winning bangers.

To accompany the sausage tasting sessions being held throughout the day, Shottle Farm Brewery will also be offering beer tasting.

The brewery, based near Belper, has a range of beers on sale at Croots.

“Our sausage festivals have become very popular, and give customers the chance to try some of our different flavours before they buy,” said Steve Croot, who runs the farm shop at Farnah House Farm.

“Sausages and ale make ideal partners, so we’re pleased that we can offer both sausage and beer tasting at our festival.”

Croots is renowned for its home-made sausages and has won numerous awards since opening in June 2008, including Great Taste Awards, which are regarded as the Oscars of the food industry.

Croots Farm Shop and Kitchen is open Sundays from 10am to 4pm (café until 3.45pm), and from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm (café until 4.30pm). It is closed on Mondays.

For more information visit www.croots.co.uk

Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Days left to enter 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards

The East Midlands’ most forward-thinking food and drink manufacturers and researchers are being urged to get their entries in for the 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards.

August 17th 2012 is the deadline for the awards, which are free to enter and recognise and reward the brightest ideas in the region’s food and drink sector.

Last year’s award winners and short-listed candidates received valuable promotion for their innovations.

The overall winner, which was named the Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011, was a team from the University of Leicester Space Research Centre, who applied space technology to allow the detection of counterfeit whisky through the bottle and without having to open it.

“We’ve had some really exciting entries to our Innovation Awards in the past, and we’re looking forward to hearing about the latest innovations in the sector across the East Midlands,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall.

Being held for the fifth year, the awards recognise and reward the use of innovation in the region’s food and drink sector as a way of boosting development, profitability and growth.

There are four award categories this year – Business Growth Award, the Nottingham Trent University New Product Development Award, the Positive Impact Award, and the Collaboration Award.

Winners of all categories will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner in November before one of the winners is crowned Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2012.

Entries are being invited from companies, researchers and individuals across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Forms are available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk and need to be submitted by August 17th 2012.

A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available, including award categories, table hosting and exhibition space, which will provide valuable promotion in front of food and drink professionals from across the East Midlands.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands.

It has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs. It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham.

It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information about the iNet visit www.foodanddrink-inet.org.uk

For further information about the Innovation Awards or sponsorship opportunities call 0115 9758810.

Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Packaging event for East Midlands food and drink firms

Business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum is teaming up with the Sherwood Press Group to turn the spotlight on the latest innovations in board packaging.

Aimed at food and drink companies across the East Midlands, the event will explore new packaging board options, sustainable wrappings and the issue of ink migration.

It will also provide delegates with the chance to quiz packaging and technical experts from The Food and Drink Forum about the role of packaging in new product development and the support available to help with packaging.

“This event will give a unique insight into packaging for those in the food and drink sector, and we are pleased to be joining forces with the Sherwood Press Group to offer this session not only to our members but also to others in the industry in the East Midlands,” said Lisa Unwin, the Forum’s membership and marketing manager.

“Understanding the packaging process can make a huge difference to unit costs and product success, and we hope this event will provide food and drink companies with the latest information, knowledge and thinking in this area.”

The event on Wednesday September 5th is free to attend and starts at 8.45am at the Sherwood Press Group premises in Glaisdale Drive West, Nottingham. It will include presentations, a factory tour and networking over lunch.

The Sherwood Press Group is at the forefront of environmental packaging innovation and, amongst other things, will be highlighting its Pura® sustainable packaging.

The Food and Drink Forum, which is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, has members across the region, including manufacturers, food service operators, and consultants and businesses providing services to the food and drink sector.

It was founded in 1998 as a not-for-profit, membership-led organisation to stimulate and support the sustainable growth and development of the food and drink industry in the East Midlands.

Its aims include championing the food and drink sector in the East Midlands, developing strategic influencing partnerships within and outside the East Midlands, and acting as a centre for information and knowledge on all subjects relating to the food and drink sector in the region. It also aims to stimulate and facilitate sustainable change within companies of all sizes across the food chain, generate income and secure resources to meet the needs of a high-quality service, and promote the food and drink sector to future employees through education and the raising of skills.

For more information about the event or to book contact The Food and Drink Forum on 0115 9758810.

Issued by Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Gold Star Award for Anila’s Authentic Sauces’ Hot Mango Pickle

The Hot Mango Pickle produced by Anila’s Authentic Sauces has struck gold in the Great Taste Awards by winning a gold star rating.

Regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the fine food industry, it was the 12th Great Taste Award won by Anila’s Authentic Sauces, which produces premium curry sauces, pickles, chutneys and dips.

The gold star rating means that the judges found the Hot Mango Pickle to be a “virtually faultless food”.

Their comments included “we love the flavour of the raw mango”, “open textured and chunky giving it a rustic appearance. Nice to see the chilli seeds” and “a great aroma”.

“I am very pleased to hear that the Hot Mango Pickle has been rated as gold star,” said Anila Vaghela, who is celebrating her 20th year in the business in 2012.

“It’s a very popular product with our customers and is made with fresh green mangoes. It’s a perfect accompaniment to many different dishes and snacks, including curries, parathas and chappatis.”

Gluten free, dairy free and with no added sugar, the pickle is one of 17 accompaniments and eight curry sauces produced by Anila’s, which is based in Walton, Surrey, with a production unit in Hounslow.

The Great Taste Awards are run by the Guild of Fine Food and received almost 9,000 entries this year. Less than a third received an accolade of one gold star, two gold star or three gold star following the judging process.

Since 2005, Anila’s has won Great Taste Awards for a number of products, including its Goan Green Curry Sauce, the Spicy Mild Curry Sauce and the Spicy Korma Curry Sauce.

The company has also won other awards. Earlier this year the Goan Green Curry Sauce was named a winner in the FreeFrom Food Awards 2012. It was previously named Best Vegan Product in The Veggie Awards 2011 by Cook Vegetarian! magazine, with the judges saying: “Not only one of the best vegan curry sauces we’ve ever tried but one of the best curry sauces available. Its complexity of flavours makes its taste truly sensational.”

At the FreeFrom Food Awards 2012, the judges said: “Anila’s sauces are always so wonderful as she uses such beautifully fresh and pure ingredients in such perfect balance. Lovely, subtle flavours, gently permeated by the coconut milk. Deep green flavour and fantastic ingredients.”

This year Anila’s launched a new Spicy Indian Salsa to mark 20 years since Anila sold her first curry sauce at a local fair.

Anila’s sauces are free from artificial colours, additives and preservatives, are sugar, dairy and gluten free, contain no onion or garlic, and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

The accompaniments are made with single fruits and vegetables, and natural ingredients.

Anila’s Authentic Sauces supplies hundreds of outlets that include speciality food halls, garden centres, delis, farm shops, gift shops and also health stores. The firm also sells direct to the public at farmers’ markets and at food shows and festivals as well as online via www.anilassauces.com

Products are on sale at places like Harrods, John Lewis Oxford Street and Bluewater, Chatsworth Farm Shop, and Booths in Penrith and Manchester.

Visit www.anilassauces.com for more information.

Issued by Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Two star gold award for Croots Farm Shop’s home smoked back bacon

Derbyshire farm shop Croots has struck gold by winning a two star gold award in the annual Great Taste Awards for its home smoked back bacon.

The awards are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the fine food industry, and it is the fifth Great Taste Award presented to Croots in the past four years.

Judges described the bacon, which is smoked on the premises at Croots Farm Shop, Duffield, as having “wonderful porkiness. The rind and fat were very tasty as well. Just the right amount of salt. Good meaty texture.”

Farm shop owner Steve Croot said: “We are thrilled to have received another Great Taste Award. The awards are judged by chefs, food writers, retailers and other food experts, and are one of the most highly regarded accolades in the speciality food and drink sector.

“We only started smoking our own bacon at the start of this year, so to have it confirmed that we’re doing it to such a high standard is wonderful for our team at Croots Farm Shop.”

Last year Croots, which is based at Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, scooped two one star gold Great Taste Awards for its traditional pork pie and its lemon oil. In 2010 one of Croots’ ales, Cow Juice Beer, won a gold star rating in the Great Taste Awards, while the previous year the accolade was given to the farm shop’s Black Pudding Sausage.

This year’s award for the home smoked back bacon is a two star gold award – making it one of the best bacons in the country.

The Great Taste Awards are run by the Guild of Fine Food and received almost 9,000 entries this year. Less than a third received an accolade of one gold star, two gold star or three gold star following the judging process.

“It’s always a fantastic boost for our staff to hear that we’ve won another award, and I’d like to thank them for their role in making Croots Farm Shop an award-winning store,” said Steve Croot. “This particular bacon, which at £10.49/kg compares very favourably with the £14.20/kg price at Tesco online, is one of many products that we make ourselves at Croots. Since buying the smoker, we’ve developed several new products which seem to be going down well with our customers.”

Croots Farm Shop has won many awards since launching just over four years ago, especially for its home made sausages, pies and meat products.

The home smoked back bacon previously received an award during Bacon Connoisseurs’ Week in March.

The farm shop was also recently highly commended in the national Deli of the Year competition.

In 2010 it was a runner-up in the Best UK Independent Food Retailer category of the Observer Food Monthly Awards. The year before, it was named in The Independent’s top 50 best food shops.

Croots opened its doors in June 2008 and has gone from strength to strength. As well as the shop and café, it has a plant nursery and a children’s play area.

It stocks products from around 40 producers within a 50-mile radius of the shop, as well as items from further afield, and employs 21 people. The store is particularly popular with sausage fans and estimates it has made around 8 million handmade sausages since opening.

Croots Farm Shop and Kitchen is open Sundays from 10am to 4pm (café until 3.45pm), and from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm (café until 4.30pm). It is closed on Mondays.

For more information visit www.croots.co.uk

Issued by Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Four healthcare schemes for Nottingham contractor J Tomlinson

Nottingham-based construction company J Tomlinson has secured contracts on four healthcare-related projects worth almost £10 million.

The firm, which was founded in 1950 and employs more than 300 staff and operatives, is currently working on medical and care facilities from Sheffield to Solihull.

J Tomlinson has been appointed contractor on a new £1.5 million extension and refurbishment of the catheter laboratory and X-ray department at Lincoln County Hospital by United Lincoln Hospitals NHS Trust.

The company is also building a new £2.4 million Intensive Support Services Unit in Sheffield for Sheffield Health & Social Care NHS Trust. The development is being built to the BREEAM environmental assessment very good rating, including energy efficient renewables and ground source heat pumps.

In addition, J Tomlinson is involved with the design and construction of the new £2.7 million BREEAM very good-rated medical centre in Arnold, Nottingham for MedicX, a client the firm has previously worked for. The company is also providing the design and installation of mechanical and electrical services at the £3 million Marie Curie Cancer Care Hospice, Solihull.

Managing director Pat Cassidy said: “Our extensive experience in the health sector has paid dividends to both the company and our clients during the extended pre-contract period; in terms of value engineering. We are delighted to have been successful in securing these four contracts.

“The company won a Gold Award at the Considerate Constructors National Company Awards last year and this has doubtless been a factor in helping us to secure work in the healthcare and other sectors.”

J Tomlinson is based at Scimitar House, Lilac Grove, Beeston in Nottingham, and has a £50 million a year turnover.

Working in partnership with many public sector and blue chip clients, its services include new build, refurbishment, fit out, electrical, plumbing and heating, property maintenance, mechanical and electrical design and installations, solar and zero carbon technologies.

For more information please contact Jeremy Warman at J Tomlinson on 0115 9574072.


Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Past Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards champion urges entries to this year’s awards

Entries are now being accepted for the 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards which recognise and reward the brightest ideas in the East Midlands food and drink sector.

Last year’s overall winner, which received the title of Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011, was a team from the University of Leicester Space Research Centre, who applied space technology to allow the detection of fake whisky through the bottle.

Tim Maskell, from the university, said that news of the award win had brought publicity and interest from around the world, as well as potential customers for the technology and additional investment.

“The team at the University of Leicester were very proud and honoured that their Spectral ID counterfeit detection project was chosen as Innovation Champion, as well as Champion of Champions, in the 2011 Food and Drink iNet awards,” he said.

“This is an exciting project for the authentication of high value consumer drinks – such as whisky – that does not require opening the bottle. As a result of winning the awards last November we have received much publicity and interest in our novel test from around the world. In particular we have received serious enquiries from potential early adopters in the whisky and fine wine markets. We have been successful in raising new investment to fund further product development, and have recently established a new spin out company as the vehicle for the wider commercial exploitation of our technology.

“We are very grateful to the Food and Drink iNet for their encouragement and support without which this would not have happened.”

Being held for the fifth year, the awards recognise and reward the use of innovation in the region’s food and drink sector as a way of boosting development, profitability and growth.

There are four categories this year – business growth, new product development, positive impact, and collaboration. Winners of all categories will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner in November before one of the winners is crowned Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2012.

Entries are being invited from companies, researchers and individuals across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall said: “We are delighted to hear that winning the title of Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011 at last year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards brought so many benefits to the team at the University of Leicester.

“Our annual innovation awards are free to enter, and create great, positive exposure for the short-listed and winning companies and organisations. We’re looking forward to hearing about the exciting projects and developments that are currently going on, and I’d urge companies, individuals and researchers to enter as soon as possible.”

Forms are available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk and need to be submitted by August 17th 2012.

A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available, including award categories and table sponsorship, which will provide valuable promotion in front of food and drink professionals from across the East Midlands.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. It has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information about the iNet visit www.foodanddrink-inet.org.uk

For further information about the Innovation Awards or sponsorship opportunities call 0115 9758810.

Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk