FOOD group Hampshire Fare is urging all butchers and producers to enter their top meaty products into this year’s Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie competition.

The annual contest celebrates all that people love about the county’s talented butchers and will this year be held at Eastleigh College, with judging beginning on Valentine’s Day (February 14).

All 12 categories are now open for entries via the Hampshire Fare website. They are Traditional Pork Sausage, Speciality Pork Sausage, Lamb/Beef Sausage, Hampshire Sausage - Hampshire Fare Trophy, Home-Cured Bacon, Meatballs and Faggots, Traditional Pork Pie, Pies – Hot Eating, Pies – Cold Eating, Black Pudding, Hampshire Charcuterie, and Young Sausage Maker.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager at Hampshire Fare, commented on significant changes to the format.

“Taking on board feedback from previous competitions, new rules have been put in place for 2018. These include entrants no longer needing to cook their sausage entries and the awards ceremony being held on a separate day to the judging,” she explained.

“The competition highlights and celebrates the fantastic butchers and producers we have here in Hampshire.

“It is a chance for people to show their love and appreciation for their local butcher.

“Encourage your butcher to enter so they can get some well-earned recognition for their efforts and talents.”

Last year’s competition attracted 201 entries from 38 butchers and producers.

The title of Supreme Champion was awarded to LJ Smith Butchers (Eastleigh), who went on to represent Hampshire at the Champion of Champions national competition.

Pip Smith, owner of LJ Smith Butchers, was delighted by the win.

“Achieving this title reinforces our customers’ belief in what we do,” he said.

“It gives them confidence in our commitment to making the best products we can. We have been lucky enough to win this title before and it has helped bolster sales and also keep enthusiasm going in the shop.”

Entries for this year’s competition must be received by February 2.

And entries can be made online at hampshirefare.co.uk, or contact the office to receive a form by post, calling 023 8073 3830 or e-mailing [email protected].

Judging will take place on February 14-15 with the award ceremony held at Rownhams House and Gardens on March 1.

The competition is supported by AHDB, Santa Maria, Mozzo Coffee, Lucas Ingredients, Dalziel and Rational.