The new lockdown for England announced by the Prime Minister has impacted on the product judging arrangements for the FMT Food Industry Awards, which were due to take place at the Regional Food Academy test kitchens later this month.

Harper Adams Regional Food Academy has confirmed that the test kitchens will temporarily close during the lockdown period.

New dates for product judging have already been confirmed for later in January 2021 and in the circumstances, the product nomination deadline has also been extended to 11th January 2021. With a new deadline available, organisers confirm that new additional products are still welcome and that all those who have already nominated products have been informed about the new delivery dates.

“We have a record level of entries and we are set for a truly fantastic ceremony next year when winners are announced. The initiative goes from strength to strength.”

Commenting on the news, lead organiser for the Food Industry Awards, Sharon Yandell, said: “This is disappointing and frustrating. However in considering new dates we have decided not to clash with the build up to Christmas in December, a very busy time for the industry, so have moved product judging into January. This still leaves plenty of time for administration prior to the ceremony scheduled for May, when all the results will be announced.

“We have a record level of entries and we are set for a truly fantastic ceremony next year when winners are revealed. The initiative goes from strength to strength.”

To enter products click here.

Thank you to the 2020/21 Awards partners: