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Inspiration • August 7th, 2026
|A poultry producer from East Yorkshire is celebrating a significant achievement after being shortlisted in the inaugural York Press Food and Drink Awards. Soanes Poultry, based in Middleton on the Wolds, has made it to the final in the Producer/Grower category of this exciting new awards programme, which aims to highlight the best in the region's food and drink scene.
Soanes Poultry's Background
Soanes Poultry is a family-owned business that has been dedicated to rearing and preparing chicken since 1947. With a workforce of over 180 employees, the company supplies its products to butchers and independent retailers throughout Yorkshire, as well as to wholesalers and catering butchers across the UK. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality and local sourcing, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of Yorkshire.
Acknowledging Yorkshire's Food Scene
Ben Lee, the managing director of Soanes Poultry, expressed pride in the company's Yorkshire roots:
“We’re proud of our Yorkshire provenance and it means a lot to reach the final of these new awards which celebrate the region's thriving food and drink scene.”
This sentiment highlights the importance of local businesses in supporting and enhancing the vibrant culinary culture of Yorkshire.
Competition and Recognition
Soanes Poultry is not alone in the running for this prestigious award; they will be competing against notable names such as Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil and Yorkshire Heart Vineyard. Each of these businesses contributes uniquely to the local food landscape, showcasing the diversity and quality of Yorkshire's produce.
Awards Ceremony Details
The winners of the York Press Food and Drink Awards will be announced during a special ceremony at the National Railway Museum on 5th October 2026. This event promises to be a highlight in the local food calendar, and it will be hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden. Barden remarked, “I look forward to the awards ceremony to discover who’ll be carrying off the accolades – they’ll need to be good!” This adds an element of excitement as local businesses await the results, hoping to gain recognition for their hard work and dedication to quality.
