Midlands Producers Recognized at National Slow Food Awards

National Slow Food awards have honored five food producers hailing from the Midlands. Established in Italy in 1989, the slow food movement stands in opposition to fast food, advocating for food producers’ dedication to their local communities and the environment. Among the recipients were Darwin Coffee and Shropshire Salumi, both based in Shrewsbury, as well as Broad Bean delicatessen in Ludlow. These accolades, determined exclusively by public vote, also acknowledged Fletchers Cider in Kidderminster and Peter Cooks Bread from Herefordshire. Shrewsbury-based Darwin Coffee secured the newcomer award, following owner Keith Cordon’s initiative to sell his freshly roasted coffee online. The enterprise emphasizes “having a fair price and having a good relationship with the farmers,” principles considered fundamental to slow food production. Broad Bean delicatessen, another slow food producer located in Ludlow, highlights its produce’s “connection to the land and to the people.” This establishment was named retailer of the year, having previously earned the best delicatessen title for three consecutive years. According to owner Ian Evans, his customers expressed their pleasure in voting for him, which contributed to a positive atmosphere in his shop. David France, owner of Fletcher’s Cider, expressed being “really chuffed” upon receiving the drink product of the year award. “The family have farmed on the land for more than 400 years and our ethos and how we operate aligns with the slow food philosophy.” Peter Cooks Bread, operating stores in Bromyard, Hereford, and on the high street in Worcester, was honored with the food product of the year award. Peter Doughty-Cook, the owner and baker, has participated in the slow food movement since its introduction to the UK over two decades ago. “People are much more aware of what they’re buying now, they want to know the story behind their food and we can provide that, they trust us,” he said. The producer of the year award went to Shropshire Salumi. For more updates, follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. Please note, the BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.