Wales-based relish producer Patchwork Pâté was among Defra's 50 Food Stars
A government-backed scheme that aims to recognise the innovation and contribution of some of the best food and drink start-ups has been welcomed by the body that represents UK manufacturers.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Food Stars initiative recognises the UK’s 50 most promising food and drink entrepreneurs and the contribution they make to the country’s economy. The businesses are chosen from a list of hundreds of award-winning businesses.
They include The Patchwork Traditional Food Company, whose unique mushroom relishes we featured last month; and sauces and dressings maker Scarlett and Mustard, who spoke to FoodBev’s Claire Phoenix about its conception last March.
The scheme has been met with the approval of The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents manufacturers in the UK. To support the scheme, FDF will provide a six-month free tailored information service to food and soft drink manufacturing businesses within the group.
Jim Moseley, interim director general at the Food and Drink Federation, said: “Food and drink manufacturing is a great British success story and we’re delighted to support Defra’s Food Stars initiative which recognises the important contribution businesses in our industry make to the UK economy.
“Small enterprises are driving growth and innovation but can lack the resources to keep up to speed with industry developments or the technical or regulatory resources required to ensure a level playing field. We hope that our continued support of free access to our tailored information service and advice will help these outstanding food and drink businesses boost growth even further.”
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