A SAUSAGE company that started life as a kitchen business has signed a deal to include a world famous drink in its products.

Debbie & Andrew’s, based on a 800-acre family farm in Bedale, North Yorkshire, is teaming up with Guinness, part of the Diageo empire, to produce a range of cobranded sausages, pies, and burgers using the famous Irish black stout.

The company, set up in 1999 by former pig farmers Debbie and Andrew Keeble, has retail sales of more than £5m.

It is on target to double that in the next two years.

The brand guarantees to pay its British farmers a higher price for their pork and ensures that all meat comes from named farms which the couple inspect to guarantee quality and welfare.

Mrs Keeble, 43, was recently honoured at a Women in Farming event. She travelled to the Houses of Parliament to receive an award which recognises her outstanding contribution to food and farming.

The mother-of-four said: “I’m obviously thrilled that 20 years of hard work and determination in a sometimes gruelling industry has been recognised by my peers.

“But that hard work and determination stems from a genuine passion and belief in what I do.

“As an ex-pig farmer, I have a deep respect for farmers and am passionate about animal welfare.

And producing well-made food with quality ingredients – the two go hand-in-hand.”

The Guinness products will be available in the spring.