Shoreham Farmers' Market reaches final of Sussex Food & Drink Award

Members of the public have been voting for their favourite producers in Sussex for 20 weeks in this year's Sussex Food & Drink Awards.

Three local businesses have beaten more than 500 others to reach this year's finals.

Sussex Produce Company

The Sussex Produce Company in Steyning, has been named as a finalist in the Best Sussex Food Shop category.

Owner Nick Hempleman is passionate about local produce and fairly traded goods.

He said: "We are delighted that so many of our customers took the time to vote for us.

"We believe this not only recognises our shop and our excellent staff but also the quality of our local produce and the hard work of our local farmers and suppliers.

"It is deeply moving that at a time when money is tight for so many of us, people keep supporting local produce."

Shoreham Farmers' Market

Shoreham Farmers' Market has been voted into the top three for the Sussex Food and Drink Awards Best Farmers' Market in Sussex category for the third year running.

Adur town centre manager David Steadman said: "I'd just like to say thank you to all the people who voted for our farmers' market."

Whites

Another triumph is Ben Goldsmith, head chef at Whites restaurant, Steyning, who is in the running for Sussex Young Chef of the Year.

Ben impressed the Sussex Food & Drink Awards' judges with his creative use of Sussex produce at a "cook off" at City College Brighton and Hove.

He said: "I got drawn in by the atmosphere and adrenaline that a kitchen has to offer and believe it's not just the cooking and preparation of the products, it's the commitment and flair that runs with it and I had that passion early on.

"I worked hard to achieve what I have and there is still plenty I want to accomplish."

Robin Fegan, awards director, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the finalists who have managed to stand out in Sussex's high quality and continuously growing local food industry."

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and dinner on January 29.

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