Fresh produce distributor Class One picked up Best Wholesaler/Distributor at an award ceremony for Yorkshire’s best food and drink products, businesses and personalities.
The wholesaler, which is based in Skipton, North Yorkshire, beat off competition from 350 other entrants to win the accolade at this year’s Yorkshire’s Finest Taste Awards in Harrogate.
The judging panel, which included local chefs Stephanie Moon and Mathew Benson-Smith, as well as supermarket buyers and retail experts, said they were impressed with Class One’s care for its staff and customers and the way in which the company collaborated with other local businesses.
Director Ben Cluny, a third generation greengrocer, said that he was “made up” to win the award and that it was testament to the hard work of his team.
“It makes all the long hours and hard work worthwhile when you get recognition like this,” said Cluny whose business has built a strong reputation among Yorkshire’s chefs, caterers and schools for its judicious sourcing, traceability and specialist buyers – many of whom have worked as chefs themselves.
“Awards like this make everything we are trying to achieve as a business, in terms of quality service and produce, more meaningful and gives us the confidence boost we need to continue doing what we do,” Cluny added.
The awards, which are run in association with Asda and partnered by the Yorkshire Post, were presented at a black-tie ceremony in Harrogate on Wednesday 2 November. They were hosted by BBC Radio 2 food critic Nigel Barden.
