The recent announcement by the Prime Minister of a third national lockdown has meant that judging for the 2021 Food Management Today Industry Awards has to be postponed to a later date.
Organisers had already previously extended the deadline for product nominations which affected product judging back in November.
Once again additional new restrictions recently announced by Government have impacted directly on the product judging arrangements which were due to take place at the Harper Adams University Regional Food Academy test kitchens in late January.
Harper Adams University has confirmed that its test kitchens will now close during the lockdown period.
This does not affect those who have already nominated products and all that changes is the deadline for sending them in. A new deadline will be advised to everyone as soon as updated arrangements can be put in place.
“We have a record level of entries and we are set for a truly fantastic ceremony later this year when all winners are announced.”
In the meantime organisers have confirmed that additional product nominations are still welcome and that all those who have already nominated products have been informed via email about the changed arrangements.
The deadline for online voting will also remain open until further notice. Readers may cast their votes across seven categories: Food Manufacturer of the Year, Best Ingredients Supplier, Best Machinery/Equipment Supplier, Best Trade Organisation, Best Training Initiative, Food Retailer of the Year and Food Industry Champion.
Commenting on the news, lead organiser for the Food Industry Awards, Sharon Yandell said: “Naturally we are very disappointed and we are very frustrated that judging must be postponed once more.
“We have a record level of entries and we are set for a truly fantastic ceremony later this year when all winners are announced.
“I would like to reassure all the participants who have nominated products that we will be contacting them with updated details, including a new deadline for sending us their products, as soon as we have agreed what is happening and have a new date. Please bear with us!
“If required we will also be reviewing the ceremony date in May to ensure it can still work for everyone. A key factor for us is allowing enough time between judging and making the announcements of winners and finalists – it is a big job.”
For more information, or to nominate products, go to www.foodmanagement.today/awards or contact Sharon Yandell by email: sharon.y@yandellmedia.com.
Thanks to the Awards partners:
