Companies in Tenby are being encouraged to enter the 2007/08 True Taste Awards and compete for the highest honour in the Welsh food and drink industry. Regarded as the industry's 'Oscars', the 2007/08 awards were launched last week at The Royal Welsh Show by Norma Barry, director of the Food and Market Development Division, Welsh Assembly Government. Now in their sixth year, the awards recognise quality, innovation and excellence in the Welsh food and drink industry with more than 550 products judged each year. Managed by the Welsh Assembly Government, more than 200 companies entered last year with 97 finalists receiving gold, silver, bronze and highly commended awards. This year the business judging round has been removed for shortlisted companies so the emphasis is entirely on taste. New categories have been introduced for 2007/08 based on specific product groups as well as awards for sustainable development, regional producer, local hero store manager and lifetime achievement. People will be able to nominate individuals who they think display outstanding performance and commitment to the true taste of Wales for the lifetime achievement and local hero store manager awards. The closing date for entries is Friday, August 17, and the winners will be announced at the awards' ceremony on Thursday, November 15, which this year will be held at the National Cricket Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Norma Barry said: "The food and drink industry is a vital part of the Welsh economy and has a great deal to be proud of - the True Taste Awards recognise this. "This year's awards promise to be even more exciting, with the introduction of four new categories, which will enhance what is already a high-profile and hugely successful event. "A True Taste winner not only gets recognition from their peers but other tangible benefits including brand awareness, priceless publicity and the use of the True Taste logo as a mark of award-winning quality." Entry forms can be obtained by calling 0800 085 3663 or emailing [email protected]">[email protected]. For information and updates please visit http://www.walesthetruetaste.com">www.walesthetruetaste.com. There are many sponsorship opportunities for organisations looking to support the awards, including category sponsorship. For more information, please contact event organisers, Quadrant, on 029 2069 4900.
