Cornish Producer Triumphs During British Sausage Week
The Lugg family, who rear traditional-breed pigs at their smallholding near Redruth, have been recognised as one of the country’s top sausage producers at the 2015 British Sausage Week Awards.
Primrose Herd took Silver in the national ‘Traditional Pork Sausage’ category at the awards, which marked the 18th annual British Sausage Week; record entry levels resulted in what the judges described as “particularly fierce” competition.
Sally and Bill Lugg travelled to London to attend the awards, which were presented by British Sausage Week ambassador and renowned chef, Michel Roux Jr.
Sally Lugg was thrilled with the award, saying: “Primrose Herd is a family enterprise, with everyone doing their bit, so it’s great to be able to return home with this prestigious national award and celebrate together.”
She added: “It’s particularly good to see the industry thriving and small, artisan producers continuing to deliver great quality and innovation.”
Keith Fisher, Butchery Development Manager for AHDB Pork and Head Judge, said: “Judges looked at the texture, appearance and cooking and eating quality of all entries, with only the very best pork sausages making it onto the 2015 roll of honour.”
Sally and Bill began with just a few pigs and sold their wares at local Farmers Markets – later giving up their day jobs when word spread and demand increased.
Sally explained: “People were telling us it was the best pork they had ever tasted, so we decided to make a go of it – we haven’t had time to look back since!”
They put their success down to the choice of traditional breeds (which includes Gloucester Old Spots and Large Blacks), the great care taken over animal husbandry, and the large amount of time the pigs spend outdoors; this allows them time to grow naturally in a stress-free environment, resulting in excellent marbling and a good meat to fat ratio.
Support for local produce amongst the public has also been a key factor in the success of this grassroots food enterprise, and Sally and Bill can still be found at Farmers Markets in Truro, Helston and Mullion each month.
They also sell their pork to restaurants and hotels in Cornwall and beyond, and Primrose Herd Pork is often proudly named on menus as an indication of an establishment’s sourcing and quality credentials.
Last year the family took the next step on their journey, launching a website which allows food lovers across the UK to purchase their pork online for home delivery.
To find out more visit www.primroseherd.co.uk