3 December 2007

YORKSHIRE BLUE CHEESE SCOOPS GOLD CATERING AWARD

Artisan cheesemaker, Shepherds Purse of Thirsk, has scooped the coveted Gold Award for its best selling Yorkshire Blue cheese in the Caterer Group’s Excellence in Food and Drink Awards 2007. The annual search by the Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine honours the best products on which the nation’s kitchens rely to provide a quality offering to their customers. Chief executive of the company, Judy Bell, picked up the prestigious Award at a recent dinner at The Dorchester, London.

Shepherds Purse was recognised for excellence in the Cheese, Dairy and Milk product category and the judges were impressed by the company’s outstanding entry and felt no other product could match it. Already a multi-award winning cheese, Yorkshire Blue has picked up many accolades over the years and has graced the likes of the House of Commons and Eurostar menus.

After much tasting, testing and contemplating, the judging panel decided Yorkshire Blue stood out as top of the league. It swept the judges off their feet and they applauded the company for producing a top quality product with universal appeal. They called it a real stunner and were impressed by its great visual appeal, gentle taste, as well as its great value for money.

Suppliers are the unsung heroes of the catering world and whilst celebrity chefs are splashed across magazines, newspapers and tv screens, the companies that make the products so many chefs rely on are pushed to one side. This Catering Award aims to recognise the achievements of national and regional producers alike.

This year’s annual search by the Caterer Group attracted more entries from local and regional products reflecting the surge in consumer interest and the importance of provenance of the food on our plates. Such products are increasingly highlighted on menus and add an extra dimension to the dining experience.

Shepherds Purse has been making Yorkshire Blue from 100 per cent locally sourced cow’s milk since 1995 and it was the company’s first diversion from sheep’s milk cheeses. Now its best selling product, Yorkshire Blue is based on a continental style recipe highlighted by its soft, creamy texture which has been developed to give the cheese a unique buttery, sweet flavour with no sharp bite.

The product’s primary foodservice market is the restaurant and pub sector, including the likes of the Laurel Pub Group, Hazlewood Castle, Malmaison Hotel Group, The Star Inn at Harome; Deans Court Hotel, York; Roast Restaurant, London, Lumley Castle and the Best Western Milford Hotel, Leeds. It is the aim of the company to introduce customers to quality regional produce on the menus of first class restaurants and pubs, as well as on the deli counters of leading establishments nationwide.

http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2007/11/29/317621/excellence-in-food-and-drink-awards-the-winners.html