As part of Northamptonshire Food and Drink Week (1–7 June), ambitious young chefs and entrepreneurs from across Northampton, Moulton and Tresham College will present their ideas to industry judges on Tuesday 5 May in a bid to win the opportunity to launch their product at the Delapré Food Festival.
The competition reflects Delapré Abbey’s commitment to championing innovation and supporting enterprising students by bringing together catering and business students from the three colleges to develop a complete business concept. This includes product development, branding, packaging, costing and a marketing strategy.
Products will be judged on creativity, taste, commercial viability, branding, and how they reflect Northamptonshire’s identity.
The winning team will receive the opportunity to launch and sell their product at the Delapré Food Festival this summer, as well as supply it to The Orangery Café at Delapré Abbey for six months. They will also gain hands-on experience working alongside award-winning Executive Head Chef Bart Polinski in the Abbey’s kitchens and receive mentoring from industry experts.
Amanda Nicols-Polinska, Deputy Chief Executive at Delapré Abbey, said:
“Providing opportunities like this for students is incredibly important. It gives them the chance to develop practical skills, build confidence and gain valuable insight into the workplace.
By not only giving students the chance to officially launch a business, but also the opportunity to work alongside and receive mentorship from industry professionals, we hope to inspire the next generation of food entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire.”
Crispin Slee, organiser of the Delapré Food Festival, said:
“I’m thrilled that we’re able to provide this experience for students at this year’s festival, enabling them to sell their products to attendees and gain professional experience that will be invaluable as they build their future careers.
Our visitors will also enjoy one of a kind products, not yet on the market anywhere else”
Rachel Mallows, who runs the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards and Northamptonshire Food and Drink Week, said:
“I can’t wait to see the students’ creativity when it comes to developing their products and how they have reflected Northamptonshire’s identity within them. I’m sure we’ll have a very difficult decision when it comes to choosing a winner.
Ultimately, this competition provides students with an opportunity to build their culinary skills and business knowledge in a real-world environment. It’s the perfect initiative to support emerging talent in our wonderful county.”
The winning product will be available to purchase during Delapré Food Festival on 6–7 June, before being stocked in The Orangery Café at Delapré Abbey.
The product will be a unique, exclusive offering available only during Northamptonshire Food and Drink Week and at The Orangery Café.