Tapas tickles tastebuds
A tasty business opportunity has been served up a treat after clinching a top accolade at a prestigious awards.
Just last year Spanish food specialist Tapas in a Box moved into one of the Warwickshire County Council leased units at the Smallbrook Business Centre in Bidford on Avon near Stratford.
A year on and business is booming and the company has just won the Best Newcomer category of Warwickshire Life’s annual Food and Drink Awards 2008, sponsored by Waitrose.
Tapas in a Box produce selections of authentic, tasty and quickly-served Spanish tapas to create a new option for informal, convivial home entertainment.
In a presentation given amid the mediaeval splendour of Warwick Castle by ITV Central stalwart Bob Warman, the judges recognised Tapas in a Box for their use of local produce in their tapas dishes, which are hand-made in small batches in Warwickshire to much-loved family recipes, and the fusion with authentic foods from small family producers in Spain to create an unusual and innovative product for consumers across the UK.
The award completes an auspicious first year for the company, on top of warmly appreciative reviews from customers up and down the country, and enthusiastic coverage by BBC olive magazine, deliaonline, Good Housekeeping, and the foodie plus an appearance on ITV’s Alan Titchmarsh show.
“This has been so exciting - to win this award just days after celebrating our first full year of trading makes it all the more special as a milestone in the growth of our business”, said Cordoba-born co-founder Ana Palenciano. “It is very public recognition of the value and quality that we deliver to our customers.”
Cllr Chris Saint, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “In the current economic climate it is great news to see a small business doing well and supplying such popular products.
“Our various business units around Warwickshire aim to provide a quality package for people looking to get their business running, without the pressure of a traditional long lease and overheads. This is one of a range of positive solutions for small businesses in the Warwickshire economy. ”