The Taste of the West awards were held at the aptly named Great Hall at Exeter University on Thursday 12 September. 420 people gathered to celebrate the West Country’s finest food and drink, best pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops and producers.

John Sheaves, Chief Executive of Taste of the West said “the region’s food industry is one of our main industry sectors, but it is more than that – it links directly with our primary producers here, but of course with our foodservice and retail sectors too – it is the perfect condiment to both”. He added “This was aptly demonstrated with the vast array and diversity of winners on show”.

In addition to over 1,000 primary and artisan products being entered for these prestigious awards over 300 businesses were also recognised and BV Dairy were thrilled at being named as Taste of the West’s South West Producer of the Year. On announcing this fantastic achievement Taste of the West commented ‘as a business at the forefront of sales and marketing of one of the region’s product jewels – milk – we were really impressed by BV Dairy’s unique innovation and business development. They have invested heavily in new product development and in new production areas, particularly at a time when we are facing one of the most uncertain trading periods in the UK that business has ever endured. BV Dairy’s commitment to upskilling their employees whilst embracing automation is second to none, whilst at the same time reducing their impact on the local environment and in the reduction of waste. This business has been going since 1958 – we, at Taste of the West, salute their achievement.

Jim Highnam, Managing Director, and Mark Damen, ERP System Manager, collected the prize and Jim commented ‘I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all at BV Dairy. I was particularly pleased that the judges recognised our unique innovation and business development, as well as our sustainability credentials alongside our commitment to train and develop everyone who works at BV Dairy.‘