What Yorkshire Poultry Business Won A Prestigious Sustainability Award?

Ever wonder where your Sunday roast comes from? Not just which shop, but which farm? More and more people are thinking about how their food is produced, and it’s brilliant when a local business gets a big pat on the back for doing things right. A family-run poultry business from the Yorkshire Wolds, Soanes Poultry, has just scooped up a major award, proving that its commitment to quality and sustainability is top-tier. The team is celebrating a significant win at the 21st annual Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards, an event that’s basically the Oscars for food and drink in the region.

A bit more than just a trophy

Let's be honest, winning any award is nice, but some just mean a bit more. The Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards are a huge deal for local producers. It's a prestigious awards scheme where the best of the best in Yorkshire food and drink compete. Soanes Poultry didn't just win one award; they picked up two impressive accolades this week. Their Higher Welfare Chicken was crowned the winner of the 'Best Sustainable Product' award. This is a massive achievement. The term 'sustainability' gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean for chicken rearing? It’s about the whole picture. It means looking after the land, using resources responsibly, and ensuring the animals are treated well. It’s a commitment to making sure the business has a positive impact, not a negative one.

Soanes Poultry's 'Higher Welfare Chicken' is at the centre of this sustainability award. This isn't just any chicken. The 'higher welfare' part means the birds have a better quality of life. Think more space to roam, natural light, and conditions that let them behave like, well, chickens. This focus on animal welfare is a cornerstone of creating a truly sustainable product. On top of that incredible win, their Grain Fed whole chicken also received a 'Highly Commended' mention in the 'Best Fresh Meat' category. This shows their entire range of poultry is recognised for its outstanding quality. For a business that specialises in poultry, being ranked among the best fresh meat producers in all of Yorkshire is a fantastic result.

What the team had to say

So, how did the team feel about getting these accolades? Ben Lee, the Managing Director of Soanes Poultry, made it clear how much the recognition means. After all the hard work and dedication, getting this kind of feedback is the ultimate reward.

“We’re proud of our commitment to sustainable chicken rearing and to producing chicken that tastes great. We’re delighted to have received these accolades from a prestigious awards scheme which celebrates the best of Yorkshire’s food and drink producers.”

Soanes Poultry’s MD, Ben Lee.

It’s one thing to believe you’re doing a great job, but it’s another for a panel of expert judges to agree. This award isn't just for a tasty product; it's for the entire philosophy behind the business. It recognises their long-standing commitment to sustainable chicken practices, something that has been part of their DNA for years. This sustainability award is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the poultry business, from the farm right through to the final product.

Beating the best of the best

Winning the 'Best Sustainable Product' award was no walk in the park. The competition was fierce, highlighting just how many brilliant producers there are in Yorkshire. To take home the top prize, Soanes Poultry was up against some amazing local businesses, including Sloemotion Distillery, The Milk Well, and York Cocoa Works. Winning against such a diverse and respected group of food and drink producers shows just how impressive their approach to sustainability really is.

And let's not forget the 'Highly Commended' award in the 'Best Fresh Meat' category. The top prize in that category went to Lishman’s of Ilkley’s Heritage Breed T-Bone Steak. To have their grain fed chicken recognised as one of the best fresh meat products in a category that includes incredible beef and lamb from across Yorkshire is a massive achievement. It proves that when it comes to flavour and quality, their poultry can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest meat the region has to offer.

A family business rooted in Yorkshire

Soanes Poultry isn't a newcomer. This is a family-owned business with a history stretching all the way back to 1947. For over 75 years, they have been rearing and preparing high-quality chicken from their base in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds. That kind of history brings a level of experience and dedication that’s hard to replicate. Their deep roots in the community are clear from where they sell their chicken. You can find their products in local butchers and independent retailers throughout Yorkshire, supporting other local businesses.

But their reputation extends far beyond the county lines. They also supply wholesalers, catering butchers, and top-tier restaurants nationwide. Even ready-meal manufacturers who want the best quality ingredients turn to them. This reach shows that their commitment to quality and sustainable chicken rearing is recognised across the entire food and drink industry. The latest award from the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards is another chapter in a long story of a family business dedicated to providing the very best poultry, done the right way. It’s a brilliant example of how heritage and modern, sustainable thinking can come together to create an award-winning product.