FDF Awards winners revealed
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Awards has recognised the outstanding individuals, ambitious initiatives and growing food and drink businesses for their contribution to the economy, community and environment.
The winners are as follows:
Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Aktrion Food & Drink)
Omar Woodburn, a multi-skilled engineering apprentice at Mondelēz International
Community Champion
Peter O’Reilly, head of credit and risk at General Mills
Food & Drink Engineer of the Year (sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University)
John Walker, reliability engineer at PepsiCo UK & Ireland’s Walkers Snack Food site
Food & Drink Scientist of the Year
Gordon Wiseman, senior research associate and head of the premier foods molecular diagnostic team at Premier Foods
Rising Star (sponsored by PepsiCo UK & Ireland)
Samuel Benjamin, retail account manager at Addo Food Group’s Riverside Bakery in Nottingham
Product Reformulation (sponsored by Food Matters Live)
Premier Foods, for its Homepride cooking sauce range.
Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Santander)
Joe & Seph’s, the London-based popcorn manufacturer
Campaign of the Year
Premier Foods’ Bisto ‘Spare Chair Sunday’ campaign, which is helping older people meet and share Sunday roast dinners with their neighbours
Community Partner (joint winners)
KP Snacks for its Living Leadership Project and work with Stockton Riverside College to develop a business strategy for the future and also strengthen links with local businesses
Warburtons for its Families Matter project, designed to drive support to those in need of assistance near to the firm’s sites.
Education Initiative (sponsored by General Mills)
Thorntons, based in Derbyshire, for its Factory Tours & Educational Projects programme which has been running for five years.
Environmental Leadership
ABP Food Group for its ABP Ellesmere sustainable beef processing development in Shropshire
Health and Wellbeing (sponsored by Nestlé UK & Ireland)
Little Dish, the London-based children’s meal producer for its projects to provide families with information about nutrition and cooking
Good Employer (sponsored by apetito Ltd)
Frank Roberts, a Northwich-based bakery firm, for its programme to create a positive working environment for employees.
Innovation (sponsored by Omron Electronics)
Taywell, a Tonbridge-based frozen dessert manufacturer, for the launch of its second range of refined sugar-free, dairy and allergen-free vegan frozen desserts under the ‘Sweet Rebellion’ brand.
Regional Growth Business (sponsored by Grant Thornton UK LLP)
Central – Lincolnshire-based Sleaford Quality Foods
South East – Hendon’s The Bread Factory
Northern England – Malton, North Yorkshire firm Karro Food Group
Scotland – Macsween of Edinburgh
South West – Beaminster’s Clipper Teas
Overall winner: Karro Food Group
Unique Contribution
Martin Douglas, former country representative for Cargill UK & Ireland, executive director, Cargill PLC, and also managing director for Cargill’s premix and nutrition business in the UK & Ireland for his services to the food and drink industry.
Ian Wright, FDF director general, comments, “The FDF Awards get bigger and more competitive year on year. They provide the perfect forum for outstanding companies across Britain’s diverse and dynamic food and drink industry to showcase their contribution to their communities, customers and economy.
“With so many talented, ambitious and successful companies and people making our sector what it is, FDF is proud to award the best and brightest for their innovative approaches, commitment to the community, and vital contribution to the economy. My congratulations go to the worthy winners and thanks to the judges and sponsors who made the event possible.”
Andrea Leadsom, secretary of state for environment at Food and Rural Affairs, adds, “Our food and drink sector generates billions every year for the economy and is one of this country’s biggest success stories – so it’s quite right we celebrate the industry’s rising stars and entrepreneurial innovators.
“Across the globe, British food is renowned for being the best in quality, innovation and tradition. From our major manufacturers to up and coming food start-ups, last night’s winners and nominees show the kind of talent and forward-looking innovation this industry has, flying the flag for British food and drink at home and abroad.”
