Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards thanks its sponsors

This year’s Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards attracted an enviable line-up of sponsors – and we would like to thank them all for their support.

There are many reasons why our partners decided to come on board and give our fantastic food and drink businesses the recognition they deserve.

Some are involved directly in the food and drink industry, while others have a catering background.

Then there are those who are keen to support new businesses and support emerging talent in the industry.

This year, the awards were backed by the following companies and organisations: SEGRO plc, Catering24, Derby College Group, trentbarton, Edwards, Flint Bishop, Leonardo and The Locally We Do… Group.

Meanwhile, Royal Crown Derby supported the Outstanding Achievement category.

Marketing Derby would like to extend its thanks to this year’s Food and Drink Awards sponsors for sacrificing their time – and, in some cases, their waistlines – in support of the city’s food and drink sector.

Special thanks also go to the University of Derby for once again sponsoring the newly updated Food and Drink Awards Guide.

Carol Dixon, director of employer partnerships at Derby College Group, which this year sponsored the Best Newcomer category, said: “Derby College Group is proud to sponsor the Derby Food and Drink Awards, which celebrate one of the most vibrant and important sectors in our local economy.

“Hospitality, food and drink businesses create thousands of jobs across the city and county, bring visitors into Derby and give our high streets their character and energy.

“These awards are a wonderful way to recognise the talent, creativity and hard work of the people behind our food and drink scene – and we were delighted to be part of this celebration.”

Christopher Tebbs, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby and Food and Drink Awards lead, said: “These are the only awards in Derby which recognise the city’s food and drink sector – and they simply wouldn’t be able to happen without the generous support of our fantastic sponsors.”

Our thanks also go to the team at Derby Market Hall for helping us stage the event at the venue for the first time – and to VisitDerby for its input.

And we would also like to thank the Derby Market Hall traders who stayed open on the night to keep our awards attendees fed and watered.

Finally, we would like to thank Derby CAMRA – whose four-day Derby Heritage Beer Festival begins at the Market Hall on Wednesday – for giving food and drink awards attendees a sneak preview of what to expect by serving up some of its brews.

For more information about the Derby Heritage Beer Festival, click here.

To find out more about the full programme of events taking place at Derby Market Hall, click here.