The winners of the 2025 Women In Meat Industry Awards were revealed last night [Friday 21st November] as part of the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
The annual awards initiative recognises the important contributions that women make to the meat sector, and is driven by Meat Management magazine reader nominations and votes plus engagement with the wider industry.
The initiative culminated in a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony at the 5-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, where the category winners were revealed.
Top impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the 2025 ceremony together with actor, broadcaster and writer Julie Peasgood, awarding the prestigious Meat Businesswoman of the Year accolade to Michelle White of Dawn Meats and the Rising Star Award to Rachel Barnwell of Aubrey Allen Ltd.
A surprise Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Christine Walsh, the CEO of the Food & Drink Training & Education Council (ftc).
The 2025 WIMIA winners:
Meat Businesswoman of the Year Award – Michelle White, Dawn Meats
The Rising Star Award – Rachel Barnwell, Aubrey Allen Ltd
Meat Businesswoman Award – Trade Body – Nan Jones, BMPA
Meat Businesswoman Award – Foodservice (Catering Butcher) – Rachael Hirst, Sykes House Farm
Meat Businesswoman Award – Wholesaling – Adele Rooney, Kings Fine Cooked Meats
Meat Businesswoman Award – Craft Butchery – Shona Marshall, Marshall’s Farm Shop
Meat Businesswoman Award – Poultry – Beatriz Curran, Pilgrim’s Europe
Meat Businesswoman Award – Training & Education – Kate Taylor, ABP UK
Meat Businesswoman Award – Industry Supplier – Claire Graham, Dalziel Ltd
Meat Businesswoman – Lifetime Achievement Award – Christine Walsh, Food & Drink Training & Education Council
Meat Businesswoman Award – Livestock Procurement & Sustainability – Katie Major, Danish Crown UK
Meat Businesswoman Award – Independent Retailing – Alison Gault-More, W. Reid Butchers
Meat Businesswoman Award – Multiple Retailing – Kate Smith-Bingham, Waitrose & Partners
Meat Businesswoman Award – Manufacturing/Processing – Michelle White, Dawn Meats
Editor of Meat Management, Gwen Mostyn, commented: “It is a delight to see so many women celebrated at the 2025 ceremony! It is vital that we continue to recognise the brilliant work of women in the meat sector, and it is clear to see that guests value the opportunity to attend this event in support of their friends and colleagues!”
For more information on how to become a category partner in 2026, contact Michelle Ingerfield on 01908 613323 or email michelle.i@yandellmedia.com.
Visit womeninmeatawards.com to learn more about the initiative.
Thank you to the official 2025 WIMIA partners:
