Food and drink companies from across Cumbria are being invited to enter the third annual Food Northwest Awards 2008.

Organised by Food Northwest, the organisation set up to lead the food and drink industry and to help to grow the Northwest regional economy, the awards recognise the innovations, best practice initiatives and achievements of businesses across Cumbria, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.

They acknowledge companies from all areas of the industry, including food retail and service, wholesale, distribution, food processing and agriculture.

The Northwest has one of the largest food and drink sectors in the UK, contributing £9.5 billion to the local economy, employing over 450,000 people and providing more than 12 per cent of the region's income. The sector has been identified by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, (NWDA) as a priority growth sector within the Regional Economic Strategy.

The food industry and specifically food tourism is very important in Cumbria. With a local population of only 500,000, but more than 20 million visitors a year, diversity has been a key growth area since the 2001 Foot and Mouth epidemic.

This year's awards will focus on the theme Celebrating a Culture of Success', reflecting Liverpool's European Capital of Culture status for 2008, and will highlight the innovation and dedication of companies excelling in their sector, right across the Northwest.

The winners will be announced at a Gala Awards dinner, hosted by Lucy Meacock of Granada TV, on Thursday, June 19, at the Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre.

Entry to the awards is free and businesses have the chance to submit applications in 11 categories*, recognising achievement in the following three areas: Enterprise and Innovation, Environments for Sustainability and Dynamic Northwest.

This year there is a new, special award to recognise outstanding achievement by an individual in the industry - the IGD Learning Award for the Northwest Food Industry Rising Star. The winner of this award will receive entry to the IGD Postgraduate Certificate in Food and Grocery Industry Management course, which is worth £3,500 and is validated by the University of Edinburgh and tutored by industry experts. The closing date for award entries is Monday May 2, 2008.

Winner of the Food Northwest Award for Best Regional Product in 2007, Grasmere Gingerbread, is run by Joanne Wilson and her husband Andrew Hunter.

Joanne says: "Winning the award against some really stiff competition from national brands has been a major boost to the company, helping to raise our profile and to continue the product's role as an ambassador for the Northwest region. The award acknowledged the hard work and achievements of everyone in the business and the legacy of Sarah Nelson, whose recipe we still use, 154 years on - it has pride of place in our dining room!"

The awards are sponsored by; Business Link, Northwest; UK Trade & Investment; DWF solicitors; the Learning & Skills Council, Food Northwest and IGD, the UK's think tank and research organisation for the grocery sector. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for a number of awards.

Organisations can nominate themselves, or be nominated by another party. Application forms can be completed online at www.foodnw.co.uk/awards. Further details of the award categories can also be found at this address, along with information on how to obtain tickets for the Gala Awards Dinner. Those interested in sponsoring an award should contact Gianna Molica-Franco at Food Northwest on 01928-513773.