Bernard Matthews and Asda triumph at turkey awards

Turkey producer Bernard Matthews and retailer Asda dominated proceedings at the British Turkey Awards in London, picking up seven of the 13 awards between them.

Having won three separate categories for its whole birds and turkey-based products, Asda went on to clinch the top title, British Turkey Retailer of the Year. 

Judges praised the supermarket for supporting its fresh turkey range with clear signposting and labelling, and for providing consumers with “a good selection of both budget and quality portions”, which would help encourage the eating of turkey outside of Christmas.

See also: The Feathered Forager at the British Turkey Awards

The independent panel of judges also agreed Asda’s regular price promotions were “a great way to get new people trying turkey during the week”.

Bernard Matthews also enjoyed success, picking up prizes for its foodservice turkey products, while its Go Create turkey breast pieces were deemed the Best Meal Solution.

Paul Kelly, chairman of the British Turkey Federation, said the results showed how hard the industry was working to produce the best quality turkey products.

In total there were 160 entries, ranging from rare breed whole turkeys to cook-from-frozen breast pieces.

Trophies were handed out by comedian Mark Watson, in front of more than 250 guests at The Dorchester, London.

The evening also raised more than £12,500 for the children’s medical charity Sparks, and Dravet Syndrome UK.

The winners in full

1. Best Ready-to-Eat (sponsored by Calor): Asda Extra Special Butter Roast Turkey Breast
2. Best Meal Solution (sponsored by Hybrid Turkeys): Bernard Matthews Go Create Turkey Breast Pieces
3. Best Innovation – all year (sponsored by Minster Vets): Asda Butchers Selection Sweet Chilli Turkey Sausages
4. Best Innovation – Christmas (sponsored by Knights Construction): Morrisons British Turkey Bombe
5. Best Christmas Convenience (sponsored by Securcom): M&S Turkey Roulade with Pork Mushroom and Spinach and Smoked Bacon
6. Best Christmas Traditional (sponsored by Easichick): Morrisons Basted Whole Turkey
7. Best Christmas Premium (sponsored by ABN): Asda Extra Special Free Range Whole British Corn Fed Bronze Turkey
8. Best Foodservice Cost Sector (sponsored by Flogas): Bernard Matthews Frozen Cooked Single Boneless Turkey Breast Lobe
9. Best Foodservice Profit Sector (sponsored by Noble Foods): Bernard Matthews Frozen Paupiettes with Pork, Chestnut Sage and Onion Stuffing
10. Foodservice Operator of the Year (sponsored by Clarke Group): Mitchells and Butler
11. Student Chef of the Year (sponsored by Aviagen): Bev Satirapraparkul, University of West London, Kirsty Fonseca, Boston College
12. Best Blogger Recipe (sponsored by Red Tractor): Claire Procter, Flotilla of Turkey Pirate Ships
13. Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by Zoetis): Asda