TASTE Herefordshire, nominated in the Hereford Times Food and Drink Awards Best Local Food Retailer category, was launched in September 2020 by Simon and Helen Rhodes, and quickly established a customer base both locally and nationally that has continued to grow each month.

An innovative business providing a one-stop online shopping platform for Herefordshire’s food and drink producers and their amazing products, Taste Herefordshire’s approach is based on forming long-term sustainable relationships with local suppliers – more than 50, ranging from micro producers to those with nationally recognised brands.

They tell the story of each of each of their suppliers and the products they produce “as we believe this is what makes them special, unique and relevant to the customers we serve," says Mr Rhodes.

“We also believe Herefordshire’s food and drink offer can play a vital role in attracting visitors to our county, and provide visitor news and information as an integral element of our consumer communication.

Taste Herefordshire offers suppliers the opportunity of increasing their market reach as part of a broad range of products exclusively produced in Herefordshire.

“The impact of the pandemic on consumer shopping patterns has undoubtedly helped together with the development of our Herefordshire hamper proposition during seasonal events.

“While our local market continues to be fundamental to our business, we are particularly pleased with the growth of our national customer base as this supports our objective of using the county’s food and drink offer to put Herefordshire on the map.

“Our own success is entirely dependent on our local suppliers of whom the vast majority are farming businesses.

"Many are seeking to diversify their core farming businesses into artisan food and drink producers and as such we provide a valuable additional route to market resulting in an opportunity for us both to thrive."

The Food and Farming Award categories are:

  • Cattle Farmer
  • Poultry Farmer
  • Arable/Fruit or Hop Farmer
  • Family-run farm or Smallholding
  • Farm Conservation and
  • Diversification
  • Best Farm Shop
  • Best Local Food Retailer
  • Best Dairy Producer
  • Best Food Producer
  • (excluding dairy)
  • Best Drinks Producer
  • Best Restaurant
  • Best Cafe or Tearoom

NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON THURSDAY, APRIL 8

Visit herefordtimes.com/awards/foodandfarming to make your nomination