The Taste of the West awards were held at the aptly named Great Hall at Exeter University on Thursday, September 5.

Over 400 people gathered to celebrate the West Country’s finest food and drink, best pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops. Over 1,000 businesses entered from Gloucestershire down to Cornwall and two Post area businesses won big, with one taking home three of the awards’ most coveted prizes.

Strawberry Fields Farm Shop in Lifton was awarded the Best of the South West Farm Shop and Cornish Moo won three awards, Best Branding Award, Reserve Supreme Champion Product and Champion Dairy Product.

Gemma Smale-Rowland, the creator of Cornish Moo has been blown away after coming home with some of the industries most recognised awards.

Each of the finalists were nominated and split into various categories to be judged. The ones that were awarded gold in their section would go forward to the finals to be judged.

The judges described Cornish Moo as a fantastic initiative by an individual farm to convert a commodity product-milk into a consumer savvy brand.

Gemma said: “I was very shocked and honoured to be given such a prestigious award.

“For our first six months in business it’s pretty amazing.”

Gemma put Cornish Moo’s success down to her dedication to the product. She explained: “I am passionate about it and I think that definitely came across. We do it because we love to. I want to show the children of today how lovely farming can be.”

She also thinks that her close family and friends are a major factor to her success. She added: “I have amazing friends and family around me. My family are a really good network for me and I couldn’t do what I have without them.”

According to Gemma, the next step for Cornish Moo is to be able to expand and grow as a business She continued: “I want to inspire and connect others, I hope we are able to grow the business as much as possible.”

Similarly, Laura Mounce who is the manager at Strawberry Fields Farm Shop has been overwhelmed after taking home a first place.

She said: “We were so excited to get the award and so very proud of the team in achieving such a great award having just opened our new extension in April of this year.

“It’s really pleasing for other people to recognise the hard work that has been put in and for our brand and values to come through, we are an honest and real working farm shop and restaurant.”

In the future Laura hopes they can continue to develop and bring exciting produce to local people. She added: “We know we have lots of potential to further develop the farm shop and are excited to bring new ideas and products to reality together with the excellent team.”