The 2017 Produce Awards update: regional judging

All the regional judging has now taken place. 27 well respected chefs, farmers and food writers – including Nick Nairn, Dan Lepard, Thane Price, Jane Baxter and Jenny Linford – judged this year’s entries across nine regions, against the criteria of passion and provenance.

For passion they looked for businesses that exhibited pride and dedication for their craft and profession, who supported their local community, championed food with a strong connection to the area, and sought out businesses that showed commitment and an ability to confront challenges with tenacity.

For provenance they looked for producers that reflected the strengths and diversity of their regions, and demonstrated awareness of seasonality, placed high importance on animal welfare and worked with a respect for the land and environment.

The shortlist of regional finalists will be announced online on Friday 5 May.

Want more? Here Peter Gordon, last year’s delicious. Produce Awards judge, tells us why we need the Awards and how British food got to be so good.