Britain’s premier Awards initiative for the food processing and manufacturing sector has extended the entry deadline for companies to allow more time to nominate products.

Originally set as 7th September, the deadline has now been extended to Saturday 15th September to allow more time.

Awards organiser Emma Cash explains: “We want as many manufacturers and retailers as possible to have the opportunity to be involved with the FMT Industry Awards and from feedback received we are aware that the recent summer period and the good weather, which boosted production, put many businesses under time pressure. We also find that more time on administration can often be useful to facilitate and organise the entries which are once again substantial.”

The nine categories available for product nomination are:

• Most Innovative Packaging Development
• Best Frozen Product
• Best Bakery Product
• Best Seafood Product
• Best Dairy Product
• Best Red Meat Product
• Best Poultry Product
• Best Free From Product
• Best New Product Development

Other separate Awards are also part of the process based on Food Management Today reader voting and, along with the product category winners, all results will be announced at the Awards Ceremony and lunch on 31st January.

To nominate your products for entry for free, click here.

Celebrity endorsement

The Food Management Today Industry Awards lunch in January will once again be hosted in London by John Torode of MasterChef fame.

This will be the third Awards ceremony at which John has officiated and endorsed the Awards, and publisher of FMT Graham Yandell says he is delighted that once again John Torode is prepared to endorse this key business event in the food processing and manufacturing calendar.

John also commented: “For me the great thing is the winners. The winners are always really, really proud and for them to be able to walk away with their trophy and certificate is fantastic. Its great to be involved.”

FMT Food Industry Awards host John Torode.

As well as announcing the continued participation of John Torode, organisers have also recently confirmed that there will be a new format on January 31st at the lunch with the introduction of a new speaker, Robbie Glen.

Robbie is the former Governor of Scotland’s Barlinnie Prison – which he compares favourably to the old Glasgow Hilton – though with much higher customer loyalty!

Editor of Food Management Today Emily Ansell Elfer commented: “Robbie Glen has a very funny dry Scottish wit, impeccable timing and an ability to read an audience which makes him one of the finest and most in-demand speakers you are ever likely to hear. He is a firm favourite and an established name on the UK speaking circuit. It will be a great addition to proceeding at our luncheon on 31st January.”

Robbie Glen will be a new speaker at the Food Management Today Industry Awards.

For details of tickets and tables at the Awards luncheon on 31st January call Emma Cash on 01908 613323 or email emma.c@yandellmedia.com.

Partnership packages for various categories are available and companies or organisations should contact Michelle Ingerfield for details of sponsorships and branding: michelle.i@yandellmedia.com