The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has opened entries for MPs to nominate their local outstanding food and non-alcoholic drink manufacturers for FDF’s annual MP’s Choice Awards: Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year Award. 

Nominations are now open for small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers across the UK to be named the region’s top food and drink manufacturer and be recognised for their contribution to the economy, local jobs and their communities. Each regional winner will be invited to attend a ceremony in Parliament where the overall national winner will be crowned.

The award celebrates the vital role SMEs play in shaping the future of UK food and drink manufacturing. The sector contributes over £42 billion to the UK economy, accounts for almost a quarter (23.7%) of total manufacturing turnover and supports half a million jobs nationwide. 

MPs are being asked to nominate local food and drink manufacturers that demonstrate excellence in innovation, sustainability, workforce development and wellbeing, and community engagement. 

The awards will be judged by a range of industry experts, including Editor of TheGrocer.co.uk, Jacqui Parr; Sainsbury’s Director of Groceries, Rachel Clark; Chair and Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Food and Drink, Mike Reader MP and John Lemont MP; FDF Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Anna Macmillan; and previous winners, ChalkStream. 

Karen Betts, chief executive, The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said: “Too often, the food and drink manufacturers driving local growth go unrecognised. Yet these businesses are creating jobs, investing in communities and generating opportunity in every postcode across the UK. The MP’s Choice Awards are a chance to celebrate those businesses and the contribution they make to their local communities. We encourage MPs and local residents to get their nominations in for the food and drink manufacturers they’re proud to have in their area.”