Finalists for this year's Food Drink Devon Awards have been announced, with winners to be revealed next month.
The awards are open to both members and non-members of Food Drink Devon. Categories cover producers, retailers, hospitality businesses and sustainability pioneers.
Since entries closed at the end of March, judges have sampled more than 280 products. They have also visited 110 hospitality venues, 12 retail outlets and five training schools in their search for the best Devon has to offer.
People's Choice awards are also up for grabs in the hospitality and best food/drink product categories, with the public voting. The shortlist for these will be revealed after votes close on September 13. So far, more than 100 hospitality venues have been nominated, along with over 300 entries for best food/drink product.
All winners will be announced at a ceremony on Monday, October 5 at Sandy Park in Exeter, home of Premiership rugby side the Exeter Chiefs.
The shortlisted businesses include producers of sweet and savoury items, meats, jams, chutneys, ales, ciders, wines and confectionery. Finalists are automatically considered for product of the year awards in the food, drink, new food, new drink and wine categories.
Dawlish-based companies feature strongly among the product finalists. Shepherd Shack and Forest Fungi, both in Dawlish Warren, are on the list, as is chocolate and confectionery business The Melting Whisk.
Newton Abbot's Boo Chi Kombucha and Huxbear Vineyard, also in Newton Abbot, are included. Kingsteignton-based bakery Truly Treats is another finalist.
In the hospitality category, the Bucket and Spade Cafe in Shaldon has made the shortlist, along with the Chagford Inn and Amelia's Cafe at Cotton Holidays.
For best training school, finalists include Ashburton Cookery School, Barbers Bean to Bar in Totnes and Ground Up Cookery School in Chudleigh.
The Chagford Inn, Cofton Holidays and Ground Up Cookery School are also shortlisted for the Sustainability Pioneer award.
Food Drink Devon board director Jack Pickering said: “It’s a privilege to unveil this year’s shortlist, particularly as we mark the 15th anniversary of the awards.
“The standard of entries in 2026 has been truly exceptional, showcasing the sheer breadth of innovation within Devon’s food and drink scene.
“From artisan producers to vibrant hospitality venues, the shortlist highlights the remarkable passion, creativity and sustainability that defines our county's industry.
“We are incredibly proud of all our finalists and look forward to celebrating their success.”
Food Drink Devon board director, wine writer and presenter, Susy Atkins, said: “It’s been a standout year for the awards, not just because of the number of entries but because of the brilliant quality we’ve seen.
“Looking through the submissions, the quality and standard really shone through. Devon’s drinks scene is buzzing with creativity. I’m very pleased to see such a talented group of producers getting the recognition they deserve through the awards.”
Food Drink Devon Awards Shortlist Unveiled