TWO well-known Craven businesses have triumphed at this year’s Garbutt & Elliott Yorkshire Food & Drink Business Awards.

Liz and David Hird of Yockenthwaite Farm beat off tough competition to win the Manufacturer of the Year Category.

The Hird family, who also farm sheep at their farm in Wharfedale were thrilled with the result. Liz and David who run the Skipton business praised their hard working team and loyal customers for making it all possible.

What started some 15 years ago in the farmhouse kitchen at Yockenthwaite farm, when Liz Hird offered her special recipe granola to guests staying at the farmhouse B&B, is now a flourishing business based in Skipton employing nine local people.

Last year, the business invested in new premises and a state of the art rotating rack oven from Yorkshire based company Acrivarn, and although their cereals are still handmade and hand packed, this move has revolutionised production, increasing capacity 500 per cent.

The Hird’s award-winning cereal range can be found online and in farm shops and deli’s across the country, as well as Morrisons and Booths Supermarkets. They have also forged links with Craven based Hesper Farm, providing granola as a topping for their Skyr yoghurt.

Keelham Farm Shop said it was equally thrilled to be awarded Retailer of the year at the ceremony.

Championing more than 250 local suppliers, the Keelham ethos is rooted in supplying quality produce and supporting local growers, makers and producers. With an in-house butchers, bakery, fresh produce, beer, wine, florist, and store-cupboard selection, Keelham, based on the outskirts of Skipton offers superb quality food and drink from the region’s finest suppliers.

By sourcing local and seasonal food, Keelham Farm Shop ensures its products are fresh, as well as minimising the impact on the supply chain and reducing the environmental impact. Keelham’s commitment to reduced plastic packaging allows customers to buy just one singular item.