HALESOWEN-based restaurant Balti Towers has been named the region’s best new business in the 2011 ‘Diamond Awards’.
The fourth annual scheme, run by regional food group Heart of England Fine Foods, launched a new award this year to recognise the best start-ups in the West Midlands’ food and drinks industry.
Balti Towers beat competition from Asiri Foods, Cotswold Gold, Lodge Farm Kitchen and Mum’s Stuff.
In the other business initiative categories, the Pudding Club from Moreton won the ‘Grow’ category, Birmingham-based Cracking Good Food Company took home the ‘Innovate’ prize and Uttoxeter firm Glennans was crowned ‘Excel’ winner.
A special judges’ award went to Oaklands Eggs. Cheltenham-based Martins Meat was named overall ‘Taste’ winner for 2011 which is chosen from the 10 individual producer category champions.
The butchers had also won the meat category for its 28 day aged Longhorn fillet steak.
The other category winners were:
Bakery Very lovely mulled mince wine pies, Taste of the Moorlands
Condiments and Preserves Barbecue sauce, Kit’s Kitchen
Confectionary Sea salted caramel, The Chocolate Nest
Diary Shropshire blue cheese, Shropshire Cheese Company
Desserts Treacle pudding, Pudding Club
Drinks Auntie Myrtle’s, Mayfield Brewery
Fresh Produce British parsnips, R&RW Bartlett
Poultry and Game Smoked chicken breast, Bings Heath Smokery
More than 230 different products were entered into this year’s awards from companies based across the West Midlands – click through for the full shortlist.
The ceremony was held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole and presented by BBC Midlands broadcaster Suzanne Virdee.
