Tomato grower Drews of Worcester was crowned the winner of the fresh produce category at the Heart of England fine foods (HEFF) Diamond Awards ceremony and gala dinner, on Saturday.
The awards celebrate the best of regional produce across the West Midlands including Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Birmingham and The Black Country.
There were nine product categories up for grabs, including the new fresh produce category introduced this year. Judging for the awards took place in February but judging for the fresh produce category took place throughout the year to allow for seasonality.
Drews of Worcester, Little Witley, took home the fresh produce award, sponsored by Whittingham Riddell, for its Midi-plum on-the-vine tomatoes. Judges described the tomatoes as “superb”, as well as “fresh and clean with a nice aroma”, “juicy and full of flavour” and “firm with a good bite”.
Paul Drew, owner of Drews of Worcester, said: “This is the first award I have ever won and I am overwhelmed; it is great to have my produce recognised in this way.”
Other fresh produce category finalists included Tamworth-based Farm Fruits’ Jubilee strawberries, Bromyard’s Skylark Organics’ carrots, and Hereford-based Aconbury Sprouts’ Golden Snow Pea Shoots.
The Diamond Awards were held at The International Centre, Telford and featured a six course regionally sourced menu, created by Michelin star chef Andreas Antona. The dinner was prepared by six of the region’s top chefs representing the British Culinary Federation (BCF) under the leadership of consultant chef Chris Hudson.
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