CELEBRATIONS were in full flow as the Sussex Food and Drink Awards revealed the county’s top food and drink producers for 2018 at the Amex Community Stadium on Wednesday evening.

It was hosted by Danny Pike of BBC Sussex and actress Julie Graham, representing Chestnut Tree House hospice.

The glittering 12th awards ceremony saw 400 leaders in the food, drink and farming industry gather together for what is dubbed as the Sussex foodie event of the year.

Chairman of judges William Goodwin said: “It’s been a truly fantastic evening.

“These awards are all about supporting and boosting local farmers, food and drink producers and the outlets which use and sell superb local fare.

“Starting from small beginnings, the awards have grown to become prestigious and respected, attracting a record 15,000 votes from members of the public this year and huge support from business in the county, bringing together the whole local food and farming community.”

Winners and Runners up for 2018 are:

Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Southern Co-op

iWinner: Bookham Harrison Farms, Rudgwick

Runners up: Just Brownies, Shipley,; Lighthouse Bakery and School, Robertsbridge; The Raw Chocolate Company, Henfield; The Real Pie Company, Crawley.

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR with support from The Pass at South Lodge Hotel

Winner: Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common

Runners up: Brighton Gin, Brighton and Hove and Wobblegate, Bolney

Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Sodexo Prestige with support from super chef Matt Gillan

Winner: Michael Notman-Watt from 64 Degrees, Brighton

Runners up: George Boarer from etch., Brighton and Hove and Michael Sutherland, The Star Inn, Alfriston

Young Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Plumpton College in association with Farmers Weekly

Winner: Jack Stilwell, Forestside

Runners up: Christopher Appleton, Arlington and Luke Spalding, Ridgeview, Ditchling Common

Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by RP Meats Wholesale Ltd

Winner: New Street Butchers and Deli, Horsham

Runners up: Archers of Westfield, Westfield, East Sussex and Garlic Wood Butchery, Steyning

Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harveys Brewery

Winner: Chichester Farmers Market

Runners up: Shoreham Farmers Market, West Sussex and Steyning Farmers Market

Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by Blakes Foods

Winner: The Artisan Bakehouse, Ashurst

Runners up: 64 Degrees, Brighton and Hove and The Parsons Table, Arundel

Sussex Food Shop of the Year, sponsored by Wealden District Council

Winner: The Sussex Produce Company, Steyning

Runners up: Plaw Hatch Farm Shop, Sharpthorne and Rushfields Farm Shop, Poynings

Sussex Street Food of the Year, sponsored by Horsham District Foodies with support from Food Rocks and judging from super chefs Steven Edwards and Ian Swainson

Winner: Garlic Wood Farm, Steyning

Runners up: Jah Jyot, Henfield, West Sussex and The Pig and Jacket, Lewes,

Sussex Newcomer of the Year, co-sponsored by Kreston Reeves and Sussex Food and Drink Network

Winner: etch., Brighton and Hove

Runners up: Greyhound Brewery, West Chiltington and The Parsons Table, Arundel

There will be more pictures and reports in Tuesday’s Argus Business section.