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Sussex cider makers Bignose & Beardy walked away with the EMC-sponsored Product of the Year category in the 2018 Celebration of Sussex Life Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards.

Andrew Crumpton, head of EMC’s specialist Food & Drink division, is pictured (left) at Brighton’s Grand Hotel presenting the trophy to the Framfield-based company’s joint owner, Steve Stark, watched by category judge Kate Turner.

It’s the first year that EMC has been involved with the Sussex Life-organised awards – recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the food, drink and hospitality industry in the county.

Andrew said: “Sussex is home to some brilliantly innovative food and drink businesses and these awards provide them with a magnificent showcase.

“We were delighted to have the opportunity to get to see and hear about so many of the wonderful products that are being turned out across the county.”

Category winners Bignose & Beardy produce still, unfiltered, slow fermented cider in small batches. Last year, owners Steve Stark and Phil Day launched a Cider Club which encourages people to get more involved in the making of the products. Or, as they put it: “We want cider fans to get their hands dirty, feel the sun on their backs and get as much out of our cider as we do. Help us make it and help us drink it!”

Highly commended in the awards were The Protein Ball Company from Worthing and the High Weald Dairy, Horsted Keynes.

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