A Cumbrian business that helps organisations promote their brands and connect with customers is lending its support to the county’s independent food awards.
Reeds, the print, signage and digital specialist, is the newest sponsor of the Cumbria Food Awards.
The long-established firm, which has locations in Penrith and Carlisle, will present the trophy for the Sustainable Business of the Year tomorrow evening.
The award reflects Reeds’ long-term commitment to reducing environmental impact, both within its own operations and through the services it provides to customers.
Reeds’ focus on sustainability includes an established partnership with the Woodland Trust Carbon Capture scheme, sourcing environmentally friendly material for its print and signage departments and using carbon-neutral website hosting.
Reeds has been a supporter of Cumbria Food Awards since the event’s launch in 2022, providing menu cards, finalists’ certificates and the glossy awards programme which is presented to all 165 guests.
Director Jonathan Nagle said: “We are proud to have worked with Cumbria Food Awards for the last four years and are very happy to step up this year to sponsor the Sustainable Business of the Year Award.
“We work hard to reduce our own environmental impact while helping our customers reduce theirs as well. We’re delighted to be presenting the trophy to a Cumbrian food or hospitality business that shares that commitment to sustainability.
“Cumbria Food Awards is a great opportunity to meet people from all over the county and we love being part of the event. We’re looking forward to celebrating with everyone.”
The fifth Cumbria Food Awards, held in association with headline sponsor Caterite, take place at Kendal College tomorrow, Thursday March 12.
Free to enter and judged by a panel of industry experts, the awards were established in 2022 to recognise and reward excellence in the county’s hospitality sector.
The awards host, TV presenter Chris Bavin, star of the BBC’s Eat Well For Less? and Best Home Cook, will present 13 competitive awards to restaurateurs, chefs, café owners, producers, pub landlords, takeaway owners, service stars and speciality shop owners.
Three special awards include the new Growing Strong trophy, supported by associate sponsor The Cumberland and the top award for the Dave Myers Cumbrian Food and Drink Hero, sponsored by Caterite.
Students from the college will cook and serve canapés for the networking reception, followed by a two-course street food style dinner for finalists, sponsors, judges and special guests.
Co-organiser Harry Atkinson said: “We are grateful to Reeds for all their support over the last few years. The brochures and certificates are beautifully printed and are wonderful souvenirs for our finalists and winners to take home.
“For Reeds to take on the sponsorship for the Sustainable Business of the Year category this year is the icing on the cake.
“It’s fitting that Reeds will also be producing the event trophies for the second year. We’d like to thank Jonathan and the team for their support.”
Cumbria Food Awards are supported by headline sponsor Caterite, associate sponsor The Cumberland, media partner Cumbria Crack, Kendal College, Booths, category sponsors, Linthwaite House, Shortridge and Patron Simon Rogan.
For more see www.cumbriafoodawards.co.uk
