SHOPPERS will have a new way to identify businesses offering local, seasonal and healthier food and drink choices with the launch of an award scheme at Worcester Foodie Festival this week.

The Healthier Choices Food Awards are for Worcestershire food businesses that offer customers a variety of healthier and customisable menu options, with a special gold award for those that use locally-sourced and seasonal produce.

Eateries with the highest-possible five star food hygiene rating are eligible for the awards, which are run by Worcestershire Regulatory Services and come with a range of additional business benefits such as nutritional analysis of recipes, a mystery shopping programme and training workshops.

The awards are countywide and are being launched in Worcester with the support of the University of Worcester and the Worcester BID.

Healthier Choices Food Awards staff will be talking about the scheme at the Worcester Foodie Festival – part of Worcester Foodie Fortnight – in the city centre over the weekend of August 1 to 2.

The Balcony Café in Worcester, in the city art gallery and museum on Foregate Street, was one of the award scheme’s pilot businesses and has become one of the first Healthier Choices gold award holders.

Proprietor Steve Williams said: “Our customers love the local Worcestershire cheeses on our new menu and adding healthier choices just means more options for everyone.

"Working with the Healthier Choices scheme has helped us add comprehensive allergen information, more flexibility for dietary requirements, and more.

"We’re probably most excited about our new improved children’s options.

“It’s good to know that people will see that we hold the gold award and know that we serve quality local, healthier food.”

Councillor Bronwen Behan, Worcestershire Regulatory Service joint committee chairman, added: “Healthier Choices is all about recognising the value of more and better choices for the benefit of everyone, customers and businesses alike.

“It’s great to have a selection of healthier choices when we are out buying food, and to have local and seasonal produce too, and now consumers will be able to easily spot Healthier Choices Food Awards that signal those very things.”

For more details visit worcsregservices.gov.uk/food