It brought together over 500 guests to celebrate the food and drink manufacturing industry’s contribution to the UK.
Ian Write CBE, chief executive of FDF, said: “Warm congratulations to each of the winners of FDF awards.
“Our wonderful, dynamic industry dictates that every category is closely fought. So, while winning is a significant achievement, every entrant should be proud of their contribution to UK food and drink. We are also hugely grateful to Santander Corporate and commercial – our headline partner – and to all of our award sponsors. I also thank all those who donated lots to our silent auction supporting Grocery Aid and the bidders who take them home.
“This is a night which celebrates the very best our industry has to offer. It is a really precious asset to our country and our people. We must al hope that the challenges we face in the months to come do not undermine the value UK food and drink delivers.”
The winners are:
Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by AKTRION FOOD)
Sophie Paveling
An electrical and mechanical engineering apprentice at Coca-Cola European Partners, who has made a noticeable impact on the business driven by her proactive attitude to taking on responsibility and new tasks to further develop her professional skill set.
Brand Launch of the Year
The Bird’s Eye Relaunch 2017
The brand focused on its core hero platforms, such as Captain Bird’s Eye, Garden Peas, and Chicken, and included brand investment, packaging redesign, product quality improvements, new campaigns and a transformation of media support.
Campaign of the Year (sponsored by Grant Thornton UK LLP)
Unilever’s Marmite Gene Project
The project found that Marmite taste preference is genetic and created Gene Test Kits, launched by a campaign that reached 31% of UK adults within 24 hours.
Diet and Health (sponsored by Santander Corporate & Commercial)
apetito’s Mini Meals Extra
The product range was designed to offer a nutritious meal in a manageable portion size to individuals at risk of malnutrition, improving health and reducing food waste.
Education Initiative (sponsored by Gazprom Energy)
Nestle UK Nestle Academy Campus Team Initiative
The initiative involved their apprentices and graduates in designing, planning and leading engagement activity with schools, colleges and universities to help inspire the next generations of talent for their business and industry.
Environmental Leadership (sponsored by Kite Packaging)
Cocoa Life, Mondel’s International sustainable cocoa sourcing programme
The industry-leading, independently verified programme that aimed to support sustainable cocoa farming, securing a positive future for cocoa farmers, their families and their communities.
Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Santander Corporate & Commercial)
Premier Foods
Its products can be found in 40 countries, with over 800 SKUs available internationally. One guiding principal has helped premier foods continue to deliver on its ambitious growth trajectory: it partners with local retailers, building long lasting, insight-driven relationships.
Food and Drink engineer of the year (sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University)
Chris Quarmby, control systems specialist at Lincoln Manufacturing, Pepsi Co
Quarmby has been involved with and led numerous successful projects, receiving praise and recognition for his work from colleagues and through various company-wide award schemes.
HR Initiative
APB UK
It has made a strong commitment to act against the critical issue of modern slavery within the UK food processing industry with its Stop Modern Slavery campaign.
Innovation (sponsored by Omron Electronics Ltd)
The TrakRap packaging system
The environmentally friendly secondary packaging company designs and creates 100% recyclable packaging solutions foe the food and drink industry in order to help minimise waste.
Rising Star (sponsoring by PepsiCo UK)
Katherine Cook, innovation manager and premier foods
Cook has a strategic, consumer-centric and collaborative approach, which has led to the agile development of three long-term innovation pipelines. She has also taken on a range of ambassadorial roles to inspire future talent.
Emerging Business (sponsored by Grant Thornton UK LLP)
STICKSOLOGY
Its tea infuser sticks have won innovation awards and their unusual business strategy has seen them set up a branch office in Shanghai and help other UK brands to enter the Chinese market.
Special Recognition (sponsored by Santander Corporate & Commercial)
Macphie
The independent ingredients manufacturer has developed a product range with 30% less sugar, measured against its current standard products, while keeping the same high quality and great taste.
Andrew Williams, Head of Food & Drink, Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “Supporting the food and drink industry has been a focus for Santander over the past few years and sponsoring these fantastic
“Awards is one way to showcase our ongoing commitment to the sector. The standard of nominations was extremely high in all categories and congratulations must go to all the winners.
“We understand the importance of the sector to the success of the UK economy and were thrilled to celebrate their successes with industry leaders at the Awards.”
The evening also recognised the first graduates from the MEng Food Engineering degree at Sheffield Hallam University. Developed by the FDF, the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink, and Sheffield Hallam University, the course is the first accredited engineering degree at Master’s level entirely dedicated to the needs of the food and drink manufacturing industry.
In addition, a silent auction at the event also raised £4,815 for industry charity Grocery Aid.
Companies who donated prizes includeD: Alps Group, Britvic, The British Museum, Cargill, The Conference People, Fudge Kitchen, Haribo, Hilton Park Lane, Macquarie, Mondel?z International, Nestlé, Pladis, Premier Foods, Royal Haskoning DHV, Santander Corporate & Commercial, SLR Consulting, SMC Pneumatics UK Ltd, Tunnocks, and Unilever.