Winning four industry accolades has proved the perfect way for Whites Family Butchers in Tonbridge to mark its 15th anniversary.
Owner Ben Stoneley picked up the honours at the National Meats Products Competition held at the Foodex, NEC Birmingham.
His team, based in Martin Hardie Way, was up against a high level of competition from independent butchers and farm shops from across the UK.
The awards include a Gold accolade for its West Country Pasties, silver honours for the company’s Welsh Lamb Shank, Carrots and Peas Pie, and a bronze for its gourmet burger.
Mr Stoneley said: “We’ve always believed in the taste and quality of our products to give the best to our customers. To have won these awards makes me even prouder to be a local independent butcher.
“I think winning the awards will make a big difference in terms of sales and we’re really chuffed about it. We have won awards before, but that was quite a few years ago,” explained the owner, who said starting up the business with his mother Vivienne 15 years ago had been a rewarding experience.
He admitted it has been hard work maintaining the company against increasing supermarket competition, but believes the business is well supported locally because of its entirely free-range products.
Mr Stoneley added: “I really like working in the area and being a part of the community here. It’s long hours and we all have to muck in with it together, but gaining these awards does make you realise that people appreciate what we are doing.”
