Racegoers will be able to tuck into some specially developed tasty treats thanks to a ground-breaking deal between one of Staffordshire’s premier businesses and Uttoxeter Racecourse.
Newcastle-based sausage maker Blakemans has signed up to be one of the key ingredients at a Sausage and Cider Festival which is being staged on Saturday, 7 April.
Well-known cider maker Thatchers will provide the liquid part of this dual recipe for success.
To mark the occasion, experts in the Blakemans’ development kitchen have come up with a brand new sausage – a Gourmet Pork, Apple and Thatchers cider special.
James Morris, Head of Business Development at Blakemans, said: “We have already done some tastings with colleagues from Thatchers and it went down a treat. They are delicious and I think they will prove a real winner with punters at the festival.”
As well as the newly-developed sausage, visitors to a Blakemans’ Gourmet Grill which is to be set up at the festival, will also be able to sample their award-winning Gourmet Cumberland hot dog and the company’s Gourmet Gastro hot dog.
Mr Morris said: “This is the first time we have been involved in supporting a major event such as this and we are absolutely delighted to have forged such strong links with Uttoxeter Racecourse which has a very special place in the hearts of racegoers not only from Staffordshire but the rest of the country.
“I am sure the event will be a huge success and we are really pleased that we are going to be part of it and can showcase some of our products to the racing fraternity.”
All of the Blakemans’ produce will be available from a branded outlet which is to be developed specifically for the occasion.
General Manager at Uttoxeter Racecourse, Brian Barrass, said “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Blakeman’s for our inaugural Sausage & Cider Festival Raceday this April. Although local to the racecourse, Blakeman’s are the UK’s leading sausage manufacturer and having them on board ensures that we continue to provide high-quality food to our customers.”
Blakemans – which is currently celebrating its 65th anniversary – supplies the domestic, export, catering and food service markets from its state-of-the-art premises on High Carr Business Park in Newcastle-under-Lyme with its factory recognised as one of the most advanced production facilities of its kind in Europe.
As part of its birthday celebrations, the business is taking part in a number of high-profile initiatives – including involvement with the Sausage and Cider Festival at Uttoxeter Racecourse and having the Dougie Mac hospice as their nominated charity for the whole of 2018.
Mr Morris said: “This is a great year for the business and the Blakeman family in particular who are proud of their links to this area and its communities. Supporting well-known local names – such as Uttoxeter Racecourse and the Dougie Mac – is a fabulous way of marking our historic year by linking us with things which are such an integral part of our area.”
