The dairy sector has dominated this year’s Food Manufacture Excellence Awards, which took place at London Hilton Bankside yesterday evening.
A total of 14 wins were up for grabs, ranging from Manufacturing Company of the Year to Employer of the Year and a Future Talent Award. According to editor of FoodManufacture (owned by the same publisher at FoodNavigator) Bethan Grylls, this year’s judging process added an ‘extra level of scrutiny’. New awards were also added to the list.
“The calibre of both the paper entries and interviews were exceptional, and it goes to show how incredible our food and drink sector is as the world continues to grapple with numerous challenges.
“It was an honour to judge alongside such an illustrious panel of industry experts, which include both FMEA veterans and fresh faces alone. Of course, it’s never easy picking the winners for the awards and every finalist should be giving themselves a well-deserved pat on the back.”
Arla Foods wowed the judges with three wins, including Manufacturing Company of the Year, Employers of the Year, and FoodManufacture’s ESG prize. Arla was described as ‘outstanding’ by the judges, who applauded the company’s growth, innovation, and commitment to sustainability, safety and quality.
Egg supplier Bumble Hole Foods’ Andrew Hewston was awarded Business Leader of the Year. According to the judges, Hewston leads the company with passion and vigour. Bumble Hole Foods supplies eggs and egg products to most major UK food manufacturers.
And Lincoln & York’s Mollie Harvey took home the Future Talent Award. “She has created her own opportunities and instigated new ideas and initiatives based on her personal drive,” commented the judges.
Dairy dominates with wins for Arla, Wyke Farms and The Collective Dairy
So who won what?
The dairy sector dominated the awards, with Arla, Nestlé & First Milk, Wyke Farms, and The Collective Dairy all taking home wins.
Business Leader of the Year: Andrew Hewston, Bumble Foods
Collaboration and Partnership Award: Nestlé & First Milk
Employer of the Year: Arla Food UK
ESG Excellence Award: Arla Foods
Factory Manager of the Year: Kate Clawson – Sleaford Quality Foods
Food Integrity Award: Dunbia
Food or Beverage Manufacturing Company of the Year: Arla Foods
Future Talent Award: Mollie Harvey, Lincoln & York
International Trade Award: Wyke Farms
Site Team of the Year: Food Hub, Production Facility
Supply Chain Excellence Award: The Collective Dairy
The Community Award: Work or Good & B1G1, Fudge Kitchen
The Innovation Award: Innovative new sustainable products, BioPak
