FOOD and drink businesses from Teignbridge have made it onto the shortlist for this year’s Food Drink Devon Awards.

Winners of this year’s awards will be announced in October but the organisation has unveiled the shortlist of finalists.

Making it to the last stages in the Product category are handmade luxury chocolate makers Melting Whisk from Dawlish and coffee makers Voyager Coffee from Buckfastleigh.

Bovey Tracey’s The Cheese Shed is also shortlisted in the Retail category whose entries ranged from top-end delicatessens to village stores.

Shortlisted in the restaurant and pub categories is the Gidleigh Park at Chagford while in the finalists for the

best ‘Training School’ award, Chudleigh’s Ground Up Cookery School makes the list.

This year’s ‘Sustainability Pioneer Award’ shines a light on businesses going that extra mile in their

endeavours to be environmentally friendly.

Among the finalists in this category is Dartmoor Estate Tea at Ashburton.

Since entries closed in April, a panel of respected judges and industry experts has carefully judged an impressive number of submissions, sampling more than 350 products, visiting 115 hospitality venues, exploring 15 retail outlets and experiencing nine training schools, in the search for the very best Devon has to offer.

Now in its 14th year, these highly regarded awards continue to shine a spotlight on the county’s exceptional food and drink sector.

Food Drink Devon board director, Jack Pickering, said: ‘We’re delighted to showcase the incredible talent and variety of this year’s award entries.

‘From pioneering products to remarkable venues, Devon’s food and drink community has once again demonstrated its passion and excellence.

‘It’s a true reflection of the dedication and creativity driving the industry.’

Food Drink Devon chairman Greg Parsons, commented: “Earlier in the year we were excited to announce a brand new award, the People’s Choice Award for the Best Hospitality Venue.

‘In these difficult times it is more important than ever that we support our local hospitality, retail and food and drink business.’

The inaugural award received over 1,500 votes for over 100 different businesses.