FLAVOURS of Herefordshire judges had a tough task on their hands deciding which of the county’s wealth of produce was worthy of gold, silver or bronze.

The judging went on all day with over 30 entries spread across meat and sausages, dairy, fresh produce, preserves, pies, juices, cider, perry and liqueurs to taste and discuss.

The increased level of food and drink product entries demonstrates just how keen Herefordshire producers are to put their produce through its paces and to see what comes out top.

The best Herefordshire food and drink product category was open to any producer or enterprise wanting to submit a product that exemplified everything good about Herefordshire.

There will be no outright winner but the best products will be awarded, gold, silver and bronze and judged against a scoring criteria rather than each other.

Judging took place at Axon Enterprises in Hereford and the category was supported by the Duchy of Cornwall, LEC and Bulmers which will provide a prize to the overall outstanding winner.

Judge Lindy Wildsmith said: “Standards were exceptionally high, especially within the fresh produce sections, aptly reflecting Herefordshire’s farming heritage. This new scheme will provide the perfect shop window for the best of the county’s food and drink.”

The Flavours of Herefordshire organisers are determined to put local food and local food businesses on the map and to encourage young people in the industry.

The next category within the scheme is the best Herefordshire display, open to any retail business with a focus on local food and drink.

The display must be on show d u r i n g September, with judging taking place at the end of the month.

For details, email liz.hill@ v i s i t h e r e f o r d shire.co.uk, call 01432 268430 or go to visithereford shire.co.uk/mem bers.