AN ADVENTURER who created a new range of backpack-friendly meals has won a national award.

Inspired by his love of the great outdoors, John Fisher, managing director of Outdoorfood, created Firepot which is handmade in Dorset.

John was revealed as The Seed Fund’s 2017 winner this week and will now benefit from a full year of business support, branding and mentoring.

John collected his prize at the Great Taste Golden Fork Award Dinner on Monday.

Hailed as "a game changing product that can make a huge difference to eating outdoors”, the range includes chilli con carne, daal and risotto with a two-year shelf life, which are free from preservatives and just require hot water to prepare.

John first began developing Firepot for his own nutritional needs while travelling around the world.

Frustrated by the lack of natural foods available to adventurers, John designed his own range of healthy and satisfying slow-cooked meals, ensuring they were lightweight enough to be enjoyed from the heights of the Himalayas to the fjords of Chile.

Jayne Noblet, owner of The Collaborators and founder of The Seed Fund, said:

“We had a very special group of start-ups in this year’s Seed Fund Academy, but Outdoorfood really did blow us away with the sheer originality and quality of the product, as well as the team’s determination to grow and develop the business.

"From polar explorers and serious sailors to weekend ramblers and happy campers, this is real food and proper nutrition for when you need it the most."

John told Taste: “We entered The Seed Fund Academy with high expectations – an amazing chance to learn from individuals with years of industry experience – but at the time we had no idea of the sheer scale of the impact it would have on our business.

"The three months of workshops and mentoring sessions have exposed us to invaluable advice and case studies on how to launch and grow a food business.

"We have also loved working with the other start-ups in the Academy and sharing experiences and solutions with people facing similar challenges.

"It has been an incredibly energising experience and one I would recommend to any food company in the UK."

The Seed Fund is a philanthropic organisation involving a network of food and drink industry experts.