Retailers and manufacturers are being invited to enter the acclaimed British Turkey Awards 2016 which is now open for entries.
The annual awards are now in their 20th year and recognised within the industry for showcasing the very best turkey products on the market today.
Made up of 13 categories, including retail and foodservice sectors, entries are expected to include the latest in innovation and convenience in both Christmas and all year round ranges.
An independent panel of judges has been confirmed, including Melanie Leyshon of the Healthy Food Guide, Aidan Fortune from Meat Trades Journal, Sheila Eggleston from Cost Sector Catering plus there will be a chef and a consumer representative.
They will assess and score the shortlisted products against set criteria such as taste, appearance, quality, packaging and value for money for the target market.
The esteemed Retailer of the Year category, last year won by Asda, gives retailers the opportunity to show off their entire range of everyday fresh turkey cuts on sale all year, such as breast steaks, mince, drumsticks, burgers and sausages.
The annual Student Chef of the Year competition also forms part of the awards, with young catering students from colleges across the country competing to create the best turkey starter and main course, to be served at The Sheraton Park Lane hotel, during the ceremony on 22nd September.
Catriona Lee, chair of the British Turkey Federation’s Publicity and Marketing committee says: “We are really proud that these awards will see their 20th anniversary this September.
"It is a great indication that our industry is continuing to excel at developing and producing top quality products year after year to meet consumer needs for taste and convenience.
"The retailers recognise this and come together to participate and support this special event.
The full list of categories:
• Best Meal Solution
• Best Christmas Convenience
• Best Christmas Traditional
• Best Christmas Premium
• Student Chef of the Year
• Best Innovation (All year round)
• Best Innovation (Christmas)
• Best Blogger Recipe
• Best Foodservice (cost sector)
• Best Foodservice (profit sector)
• Best Ready to Eat
• Foodservice Operator of the Year
• Retailer of the Year
