A Blackburn-based snacks company that has developed a range of healthy, gluten-free snacks has won a top regional award recognising its innovation, in the Food Northwest Awards 2007.

Butterfly Snacks, a family-owned business that makes products for coeliacs* and those with other health issues, won the Bank of Ireland Award for Most Innovative Product. The prestigious awards are organised by Food Northwest, the body established in April to lead the region’s food industry to highlight the achievements and innovations of companies excelling in the region.

The winners were announced at a Gala Awards dinner yesterday, (June 28, 2007) at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. The dinner was hosted by Lucy Meacock of Granada TV and speakers included Lady Sylvia Jay CBE, chair of Food from Britain and Edwin Booth, chair of Booths Stores.

Butterfly Snacks worked in conjunction with Kendal College and Manchester Metropolitan University to develop its range of gluten-free savory snacks. These include four types of samosas; chicken and vegetable spring rolls, ‘zingers’ – crumbed & spiced chicken fillets at the moment. We are currently developing new products and will have additions to our already successful range. All of the products are made without wheat.

More

Managing director of Butterfly Snacks, Mohammed Tariq Malik says: “We wanted to have a range suitable for coeliacs that provided an exciting new taste experience to a group which had been denied more adventurous eating. They can also benefit those who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), people with autism, eczema and diabetes, as gluten** can trigger these conditions.

“Winning this award is a major recognition of our hard work and achievements.”

Pat Foreman, managing director of Food Northwest, said: “The Food Northwest Awards recognise the excellent work of the diverse range of food and drink companies operating within the region. These people’s energy, enthusiasm and sheer hard work represent all that is great about the Northwest’s industry.”

For further information on the Food Northwest Awards 2007 visit www.foodnw.co.uk

*Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disease, which means that the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues.
**For people with coeliac disease this attack is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

Download the press release (89.5KB)