IT IS NO secret that Worcestershire is jam-packed with some of the UK’s most mouth-watering food and drink and now’s the time to shout it from the rooftops.

Worcestershire residents are being invited to nominate their favourite food and drink producers and outlets for the prestigious Rural Business Awards 2016.

The awards were launched last year and this year are being supported by the CLA (Country Landowners Association). They are the only UK-wide business awards that are dedicated to the rural community.

The organisers of these awards are seeking some of the hidden superstars among Worcestershire’s food and drink producers and brands. They want to hear about any countryside business people feel deserve recognition for their excellence.

This includes farm shops, food producers or growers, restaurants, bars, brewers and distillers – in fact anyone involved in the food and drink industry people feel should be getting a well-earned pat on the back.

The closing date for entries is Thursday June 30 and it is simple to nominate a business by visiting http://www.ruralbusinessawards.co.uk/enter/. The businesses themselves can self-nominate and register.

The nominated businesses then have until Sunday July 31 to complete their entries for the awards and submit them to the Rural Business Awards team.

The awards were founded by Jemma Clifford and Anna Price – both successful rural businesswomen – to celebrate countryside entrepreneurs.

Jemma said: “We know those little gems are out there hidden away in the beautiful British countryside, cooking up a storm every day and well known to locals, but not appreciated further afield.

“We aim to put that right and help these businesses grow by recognising their hard work and bringing them to a wider market. We are really excited to hear from the cream of Worcestershire’s food and drink organisations.”

CLA Midlands regional director Caroline Bedell said: “The UK has become a self-confessed foodie nation over recent years and it is rural businesses which are leading the charge in producing high quality and innovative food and drink offerings.

“I urge unique and successful food and drink businesses located in the heart of the countryside to enter the Rural Business Awards 2016; or nominate your favourite to celebrate their achievements.”

CLA director general Helen Woolley added: “We are delighted to partner with The Rural Business Awards. CLA members run a wide range of businesses across rural England and Wales and we champion their cause in Brussels, Westminster and Whitehall. That is why we are so pleased to support this celebration of the best of rural business and will be encouraging our members across the country to take part.

“We will be working with the Rural Business Awards to share best practice and inspiration with other businesses across the country. As well as providing a showcase of how exciting and relevant rural business to our politicians and national media who are often too focused on our towns and cities.”