Wild Meat Company in Suffolk crowned food and drink champion by Countryside Alliance

A niche meats company near Woodbridge is over the moon after scooping a prestigious national food and drink award.

The Wild Meat Company, of Blaxhall, near Woodbridge, was crowned national champion at the Countryside Alliance awards, known as the Rural Oscars, at a ceremony held at the House of Lords.

Thousands of businesses competed in various categories to be whittled down to overall winners.

Judges praised the company, run by Robert Gooch and Paul Denny, for its approach.

Paul Denny and Robert Gooch (Image: Wild Meat Company)

“In Suffolk, there is an abundance of wild game and the Wild Meat Company is a business that was born out of necessity and has grown into a showcase of sustainability," judges said.

"They aim to take the muck and mystery out of buying, preparing and eating game and promote it to a whole new market.”

Director Mr Gooch was over the moon at the win.

“I’m delighted to have won the category for food and drinks. It’s something that we worked on since we set up in 1999 through 2000s, and it’s great to be honoured in this way in the House of Lords,” he said.

Arthur Howell Butchers in Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk won in the butcher category.

The Countryside Alliance Awards – now in their 17th year – recognise rural businesses across five categories - best pub, best village shop/ post office, best butcher, best for local food and drink and the rural enterprise award.

The aim is to celebrate businesses that go the extra mile within their communities, supporting the local economy and championing local goods and services.

A public vote decided who would go through to the awards.

The final awards ceremony was held yesterday at the House of Lords. It was sponsored by the Earl of Leicester.

The awards were presented by Countryside Alliance chairman, The Rt Hon Lord Herbert of South Downs, and attended by a number of peers.

Sarah Lee, director of policy for the Countryside Alliance, said: "This important ceremony was about celebrating the hard work of all those behind rural businesses who are so obviously passionate about providing quality goods, services, and employment in our precious countryside.

"At the regional – and now the national – level, the Countryside Alliance is proud to be honouring these businesses and the individuals behind them, who rose to the top among the countless other worthy businesses nominated.”