Redland wholefoods store, Wild Oats, has scooped the 'best retailer for animal-free shopping' award while hemp-based products manufacturer Yaoh's 'hemp milk maker' has won 'best environmentally-friendly product'. The Vegan Society Awards are part of the celebrations of World Vegan Day - November 1 each year - and National Vegan Week, which runs from October 30 to November 5, 2005. Each year the society's members and subscribers send in nominations for the categories. The winners of each category are chosen about two weeks before World Vegan Day.
 | | The milk maker can 'juice' hemp |
In the past, winners were sent certificates but in 2004 to mark its diamond jubilee the Vegan Society decided to splash out on a ceremony at a London hotel. As a result, it was decided to hold an awards ceremony each year. Bristol was chosen in 2005 as the society is here for the city's vegan fayre and its AGM. The 10 winners (nine categories and a 'raspberry award' for products which are not vegan but should be - this year it's Guinness) will be at a ceremony in Bristol on October 29. A guest presenter - Kerry McCarthy, the MP for Bristol East who is also a vegan - has been enlisted to hand out one of the gongs. Yaoh manager, Tim, said it was more than coincidence that the awards were being held in Bristol. "It is fantastic to be recognised for our achievements and an honour indeed to be hosting the awards," he told this website. "But really it is a reflection on the qualities of Bristol, from its brilliant people through to all the businesses and authorities that have supported the show. "I don’t think we could pull this off in any other town. Proud to be Bristol!" | 
