Which Yorkshire Wolds Poultry Business Is A Finalist In A Major Regional Taste Award?

Ever wonder what makes food and drink from Yorkshire taste so good? It’s all about the passion that local producers pour into their work. And when there’s a big competition to find the best of the best, things get pretty exciting. A family-owned poultry business from the Yorkshire Wolds is currently celebrating some brilliant news. The team at Soanes Poultry has just found out their chicken has been shortlisted for not one, but two top prizes at the 21st annual Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards. It’s a huge deal for the regional food scene, and a massive pat on the back for a local company doing things the right way.

What's all the fuss about this taste award?

Imagine the BRIT Awards, but for food. That’s basically what the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards are for the county. This isn't just any old competition; it's the largest and most respected food and drink awards programme in the region. Getting to be one of the finalists is a massive achievement. The judges, who are proper experts, do a 'blind tasting'. This means they don't know who made the food they’re trying, so there’s no favouritism. They just judge based on what's best, which is exactly how it should be. So, for Soanes Poultry to get through this tough round is a real testament to how good their chicken is. This kind of recognition is also fantastic marketing for any artisan producer.

Soanes Poultry gets the nod, twice!

So, what exactly are they in the running for? The poultry business has managed to impress the judges in two very different but equally important categories. Let’s break it down:

• Best Sustainable Product: This is for their Higher Welfare Chicken. 'Sustainable' is a word that gets used a lot, but what does it actually mean here? It's about raising chicken in a way that’s kind to the planet. This could mean using locally sourced feed, managing waste responsibly, and looking after the land the chickens are raised on. It's about thinking long-term, not just about today.
• Best Fresh Meat: Their Grain Fed whole chicken and wings are finalists in this one. This category is all about pure quality and taste. 'Grain fed' means the chickens have a specific diet that helps them grow healthy and strong, which makes the meat incredibly tasty and tender. Soanes Poultry is up against some seriously good competition in the fresh meat category.

This double nomination shows that their poultry isn't just delicious, but it's also produced with a conscience, focusing on both sustainability and quality rearing practices.

A taste of tradition from a family-owned business

Soanes Poultry isn't a newcomer to the poultry world. This family-owned business has been rearing and preparing chicken since way back in 1947. That’s over 75 years of experience! They are based in Middleton on the Wolds, and their whole approach is built on a deep commitment to tradition and quality. The company’s Managing Director, Ben Lee, is clearly thrilled with the news.

“We’re proud of our commitment to sustainable chicken rearing and to producing chicken that tastes like chicken used to. We’re delighted to have come through the blind tasting round to reach the final in these awards, which celebrate the best of Yorkshire’s sustainable food and drink producers.”

The judges have their say

The person in charge of all the judging is Nigel Barden, a well-known BBC Broadcaster and an expert on artisan food. He explained just how high the standard was this year, making the achievement by Soanes Poultry even more impressive. Getting praise from someone like him is a big deal for any food and drink producer.

“The categories in the Taste Awards look to highlight the very best of food and drink crafted, grown and served in the county, and boy did Yorkshire businesses come up trumps this year!”

“Judging is a pleasure as we always uncover something new and innovative, but the standard this year has been incredibly high across the board, making the task that much harder.”

The competition is fierce

Being named as one of the finalists is an honour, and Soanes Poultry is in excellent company. The other businesses in the running are some of the best in Yorkshire, showing the incredible quality of the local food and drink scene. Here’s a look at who else is in the final:

Category	Finalists
Best Sustainable Product	Soanes Poultry, Sloemotion Distillery, The Milk Well, York Cocoa Works
Best Fresh Meat	Soanes Poultry, Fodder, Lishman’s, Warrendale Wagyu

Just look at those names! From distilleries to wagyu beef producers, it's a real showcase of the amazing sustainable product and fresh meat options available in the county. Every one of the finalists deserves to be there.

The big night in Harrogate

So, what happens next? Everyone will have to wait a little while to find out who the ultimate winners are. The big reveal will happen at a special awards dinner. It’s all set to take place at the Pavilions of Harrogate on Tuesday, 4th November. It's sure to be a brilliant night celebrating the very best of Yorkshire's producers. Whether Soanes Poultry brings home a taste award or two, reaching the final is a fantastic achievement that puts their higher welfare chicken and sustainable rearing methods firmly in the spotlight. It's a win for the whole poultry business and for everyone who loves great-tasting, thoughtfully produced chicken.