The Food Drink Devon Awards marked their 15th anniversary in style on Monday 5 October, bringing together 420 guests at Sandy Park, home of the Exeter Chiefs, for an evening celebrating the very best of the county’s food, drink and hospitality sector.
Hosted by BBC Radio Devon’s David Sheppard, the awards shone a spotlight on Devon’s producers, hospitality businesses and specialist retailers, reflecting the strength, diversity and collaborative spirit of one of the country’s most respected regional food and drink communities.
Competition was particularly strong in this year’s Taste of Devon Producer Awards, which attracted 280 entries. The awards also recognised excellence across hospitality, retail, sustainability and product categories, with independent judges and an independent adjudicator overseeing the process.
Commenting on the awards, Amanda Ringelberg, ambassador for Food Drink Devon, said: “The Food Drink Devon Awards are about so much more than winning a trophy. They are about recognising the people behind the businesses, their passion, determination, creativity and the sheer hard work that goes into producing exceptional food and drink and delivering fantastic hospitality.
“Devon has an extraordinary story to tell when it comes to food. We have incredible farmers and growers, fishermen and producers, brilliant chefs, restaurants, cafés, pubs, hotels, independent retailers and hospitality teams. What connects so many of them is a real commitment to quality, sustainability and provenance. There is something rather special about the way the food and drink community in Devon works together. We compete, of course, but we also support each other and that is what the Food Drink Devon Awards are all about.”
Guests were treated to a menu created by Sandy Park head chef Craig Beacham with guest chef Darren Grice of Loluli’s Fire & Fish. The dishes showcased seasonal produce supplied by Food Drink Devon members, while drinks served throughout the evening came from a number of Devon-based producers and vineyards.
The event also highlighted the next generation of culinary talent, with students from the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College serving guests throughout the evening and designing and creating the welcome drink canapés.
A special thank you goes to the platinum sponsors: Empire Services and Clockwork Marketing, gold sponsors: Bays Brewery, West Country Food Service, Slim Design, Shepherd Shack and Orchardlea Foods, silver sponsors: Stephens Scown and print sponsors: inkREADible Labels.
Founded more than 30 years ago as the South Hams Food and Drink Association, Food Drink Devon represents producers, retailers, hospitality venues and associated businesses across the county. The organisation works to promote Devon’s food and drink sector with a focus on quality, sustainability and provenance.
A full list of this year’s winners can be viewed at The Food Drink Devon Awards 2026/7 | Results
For more information on Food Drink Devon, visit fooddrinkdevon.co.uk and follow @FoodDrinkDevon on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Photo credits: Steven Haywood Photography
