TO CELEBRATE UK Sausage Week, Hampshire Fare has announced that the Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition will return next year.

Building on the success of last year’s new competition format, Hampshire Fare will start the judging process on February 5, 2019 at Eastleigh College.

The awards ceremony will take place later in the month at the Holiday Inn in Winchester.

The competition is open to all Hampshire butchers and producers and is a great opportunity for them to showcase their business and products.

The twelve categories include Traditional Pork Sausage, Hampshire Sausage, Cold-eating Pie, Charcuterie, Young Sausage Maker and Speciality Sausage.

All entries are judged by a panel of experts against strict criteria including texture and flavour. The competition rewards the best in each category with one winning sausage chosen to go on to the Champion of Champions national competition.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager at Hampshire Fare said: "The much-loved Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition is a brilliant opportunity for all local butchers and producers. The event puts the spotlight on our county’s meaty talent with lots of interest from local and national media.

"The results highlight to consumers where they can purchase quality meat and hopefully encourages people to make shopping at their local butchers a regular event."

UK Sausage week runs between October 29 and November 4.

To find out more visit hampshirefare.co.uk or email info@hampshirefare.co.uk.