Be in it to win it - is the message to all Welsh meat producers

Meat producers across Wales are being urged to enter this year’s True Taste Wales Food & Drink Awards.

The message from the Welsh Assembly Government, organisers of the event, is that companies must ‘be in it, to win it’ by getting applications in early.

Entry forms are now available for the nine prestigious award categories, including Best Organic Product, Manufacturer of the Year and Eating Out in Wales, with just three weeks to go until the 30 June deadline.

Last year, the awards, which are regarded as the highest honour in the Welsh food and drink industry, notched up almost 200 entries with more than 500 products judged and 37 finalists receiving gold, silver, bronze and highly commended awards.

Previous winners are also encouraging companies to enter. Andrew Eastwood of Yerbeston Gate Farm Shop in Pembrokeshire, which received a Gold award in last year’s Producer category for its Welsh Black Beef Fillet Steak, said: “The publicity generated by being a True Taste winner has been very, very beneficial to our business, and we are launching a mail order service. In particular the national publicity we have received in publications such as the Mail On Sunday and the BBC Good Food Magazine has generated enquiries and sales.

“People have heard about us because of the True Taste Awards and our reputation has grown creating a loyal customer base and generating new business.”

Entry forms are available by calling 0800 085 3663, emailing truetaste@quadrant.uk.com or can be completed online at www.walesthetruetaste.com. - The deadline for entries is 30 June 2006. Winners will be announced at the awards’ ceremony on Thursday 23 November 2006 at the National Cricket Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.