There is just over a week to get your nominations in for this year's Hereford Times Food and Farming Awards 2021.

The event celebrates the multi-faceted nature of our agricultural landscape – the dedication, professionalism and innovation of our farmers and food and drink producers – everyone involved from field to fork.

Gattertop Drinks Company, nominated in the Best Drinks Producer category, is based in a valley just outside Leominster, the location for a revolution as Gemma Standeven introduces orchard vodka spirits to the market.

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"All of our ingredients for both of our products come from the orchards at Gattertop," Ms Standeven said.

"Our Damson No 12 is made with damsons that are handpicked from the farm.

"The seven botanicals that we use in our Botanic No 7 are all handpicked from Gattertop orchards.

"We feel passionate about our provenance as a brand and having the opportunity to promote this as much as possible.

"Winning this award would be a huge accolade and an opportunity to help put Herefordshire on the map as we grow.

"Not only are we proud of our achievements so far, and of how this founder-led product has won numerous national awards, but it would mean a huge amount to win a local award that is relevant to the origins of our brand.

"In the middle of 2020 we decided to invest in rebranding and relaunching the brand, as well as bringing a new exciting product online, all of which is really pioneering the craft vodka industry, with natural ingredients all from one orchard, making it a truly authentic product with sustainability at the heart of all that it does."

For Damson No 12, small batches of home-grown damsons are steeped in quality British vodka for an entire year to develop a deep, fruity character, with subtle accents of almond and marzipan.

Botanic No 7 is a distilled vodka spirit infused with seven botanicals foraged throughout the year from Gattertop's ancient orchards, hedgerows, fields, woodlands and garden.

The herbs, leaves, blossom, plants and fruit from Ms Standeven's recipe are distilled in small batches in traditional copper pot stills and infused to capture a truly considered and authentic 'year round' product.

The Food & Farming Award categories

  • 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

To nominate yourself (or an individual/business you admire) for an award visit herefordtimes.com/awards/foodandfarming. 
Nominations close on Thursday, April 8