Excitement builds as finalists announced for 2025 Food Drink Devon Awards

Anticipation is rising across the county as Food Drink Devon unveils the shortlist for the 2025 Food Drink Devon Awards, ahead of the glittering black-tie ceremony on Monday, 6th October at Sandy Park, home of the Exeter Chiefs.

Now in its 14th year, the prestigious awards celebrate the very best of Devon’s thriving food and drink sector, from innovative producers and dynamic retailers to outstanding hospitality venues and training schools.

Since entries closed in April, a panel of respected judges and industry experts sampled more than 350 products, visited 115 hospitality venues, explored 15 retail outlets, and experienced nine training schools in their search for the county’s finest.

Food Drink Devon board director Jack Pickering said:

“We’re delighted to showcase the incredible talent and variety of this year’s award entries. From pioneering products to remarkable venues, Devon’s food and drink community has once again demonstrated its passion and excellence throughout the 2025 judging. It’s a true reflection of the dedication and creativity driving the industry. We’re immensely proud of the achievements of Devon's food and drink producers, hospitality, retail and training venues and look forward to celebrating with them at Sandy Park on 6th October.”

The awards feature categories for producers, retailers, hospitality venues, training schools, and sustainability pioneers. Finalists in the coveted Product Awards range from artisanal preserves to craft ales and fine wines. Among the shortlisted producers are Alder Vineyard (Okehampton), Chunk of Devon (Ottery St Mary), Moonhoney Meadery (Kingsbridge), and Voyager Coffee (Buckfastleigh).

Board director, wine writer, and presenter Susy Atkins praised the quality of this year’s drink entries:

“We saw a record number of drinks entered into this year’s awards, and our panel of expert judges, myself included, were hugely impressed by the quality across the board. Devon’s drinks sector continues to be vibrant and inspiring and the standard of wines in particular this year was outstanding.”

Retail finalists include top names such as Aune Valley Meat (Loddiswell and Modbury), Devon Hampers (Lifton), and The Cheese Shed (Bovey Tracey), competing for titles like Best Retailer and Best Online Retailer.

In hospitality, competition is fierce across seven categories, including Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Pub, and the new Best Bar category. Shortlisted venues include Gidleigh Park (Chagford), The Dartmoor Inn (Lydford), Offshore Restaurant & Bar (Torquay), and The Old Warehouse (Kingsbridge).

Training schools also feature prominently, with finalists like River Cottage (Axminster), Owens Organic Coffee (Ivybridge), and Salcombe Gin School showcasing the county’s educational excellence.

The Sustainability Pioneer Award highlights businesses leading the way in eco-conscious practices, with finalists such as How Now Dairy (Totnes), Cottage Beer Project (Tiverton), and Outside Devon (Bantham).

This year marks the introduction of the People’s Choice Award for Best Hospitality Venue, giving the public the chance to vote for their favourites. Over 1,500 votes were cast for more than 100 businesses.

Food Drink Devon Chair Greg Parsons said:

“Earlier in the year we were excited to announce a brand new award, the People’s Choice Award for the Best Hospitality Venue. For the very first time, we handed our judging of an award over to the people who matter most – our community of food and drink lovers… In these difficult times it is more important than ever that we support our local hospitality, retail and food and drink business.”

The awards evening promises a three-course meal created from local produce supplied by Food Drink Devon members, with fruit and vegetables provided by West Country Fruit Sales, and service from students at the Michael Caines Academy. To celebrate 30 years of Food Drink Devon, the night will end with an after-party featuring live music until 1am.

Thanks go to Platinum sponsors Empire Services and Beacon Compliance, alongside Gold and Silver sponsors including DCW Polymers, West Country Fruit Sales, and Bays Brewery.

Food Drink Devon continues to champion the county’s food and drink sector on a national and international stage, representing over 380 producers, retailers, and hospitality businesses united by a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.

For the full list of finalists and more information, visit www.fooddrinkdevon.co.uk/awards or follow @FoodDrinkDevon on social media.