Best Producer (Small) - Sposored by The Samling

Judges are simply looking for producers delivering outstanding Cumbrian products and business success. The Best Producer category was extremely strong last year and judges divided the category into two awards – for small and large producers. Small producers are likely to have a small number of employees or family staff, producing successful niche products. Large producers will have moved beyond the kitchen or farmhouse to being a more fully fledged enterprise, or be an established medium or large food or drink manufacturer. [Please note this is a ‘business’ award not a ‘taste’ award, so judges will be looking for evidence of business growth and innovation, and any external evidence of product quality, such as awards and quality and range of distribution.]

How to enter: Managers or owners should enter online at www.cumbrialifefoodawards.co.uk choosing whether the small or large producer category is more appropriate for their enterprise. The judges may move entrants between small and large categories to select a natural dividing line according to the number and nature of entries received.

The Samling, Lakes Hotel with an international reputation

The Samling, situated above Lake Windermere, has an international reputation as one of the top hotels in the UK. The restaurant is a favourite of Cumbria Life readers, with thousands enjoying the hotel’s sumptuous cuisine. The kitchen is now headed up by industry star Ian Swainson, winner of ITV’s Britain’s Best Dish and former Head Chef of the Michelin star La Becasse and L’ortolan restaurants. The hotel was recently named the World’s Best Dining Hotel in the Boutique Hotel Awards. The Samling is thoroughly committed to using the finest local ingredients wherever possible and is therefore proud to sponsor the Best Small Producer category.