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July 2006
Winner Maria helps pick British Turkey winners
A turkey stuffed with goose and pheasant will be battling it out against a turkey breast joint that comes complete with stock for the gravy in the British Turkey Awards 2006. And further competition is provided from a whole bird wrapped in Harrods’ finest bacon and smeared with churned butter.
The mouth-watering trio are shortlisted in a brand new category for this year’s awards - Best Innovative product. Says Kim Burgess, chairman of the British Turkey Sector Group publicity and marketing committee: “This is the 10th year of the awards and we felt it was high time the huge amount of innovation going on in the industry was properly recognised. I suspect the judges are going to have a really difficult job when they have to choose a winner!”
The judging panel includes a consumer for the first time – Maria Ellis, of Welling, Kent - who won her place through a competition on the British Turkey website. She said: “I eat turkey regularly but to see – and taste - all these products is going to be a real eye opener.”
The panel of judges will be tasting their way through 27 different British turkey products shortlisted for 9 product awards from a record 158 entries. Another new category, Best Christmas product , attracted a wealth of delicious entries including whole birds, stuffed, herbed and flavoured joints and a roulade with caramelised onion, apple and chestnut stuffing and pigs in blankets!
Jane Curran, editor of Woman and Home magazine, and chair of the panel of 6 independent judges, applauded retailers for their efforts in making British turkey available and appetising for shoppers all year round. She said: “Products specially designed for stir frying and barbecuing, like the shortlisted Orange and Ginger Stir Fry from Asda, and Breast Steaks with Barbecue Marinade from Sainsbury’s, must encourage people to eat turkey all year round.”
Maria Ellis added: “As an average shopper I really appreciate the way the supermarkets are helping people like me to make an informed choice by putting nutritional information on the packs and giving useful recipes and serving suggestions. Having seen the quality of British turkey, I am now always going to look out for the Quality British Turkey logo when I buy in future!”
Winners of each category, plus British Turkey Butcher, Recipe Writer and Chef of the Year, will be announced at a gala dinner on 21st September at Claridges, with the help of celebrity guest Brian Conley.
Judging panel
Jane Curran, Editor, Woman and Home
Richard Allison, Poultry World
Sam Fortescue, Fresh Produce Editor, The Grocer
Fiona McLelland, Deputy Editor, Pub Chef
Maria Ellis, consumer
Click here to view the short listed entries.