The Food Management Today Industry Awards product judging at Harper Adams Regional Food Academy took place this week.
The winners and finalists are now being selected, as the countdown to the prestigious awards ceremony and industry lunch begins.
The lunch will be hosted by celebrity chef John Torode, perhaps best known for his role on the MasterChef television series. The venue for the occasion will be the five star Royal Garden Hotel, London, on 9th February 2018.
The food industry was invited to submit products into multiple categories, including: Best Dairy Product, Best Bakery Product, Best Red Meat Product, Best Poultry Product, Best Frozen Product, New Product Development and Best Free From Product. The judges reviewed everything from ice creams and cakes to roasting joints and steaks across the multiple categories.
Head judge Keith Fisher, CEO of the Institute of Meat, commented during judging process: “There have been a wide variety of products coming through, all to a high standard. We’ve noticed that the majority have been carefully wrapped and delivered in an ideal condition for judging. The degree of preparation that people have gone to with their products to ensure they’re 100% edible with little or no waste has been impressive. Deciding on the winners, finalists and highly commended products is no easy task.”
Food Management Today editor and fellow judge, Emily Ansell Elfer, added: “Being a part of the judging panel is a real privilege and each year I continue to be impressed by the variety and standard of the entries. As well as flavour and product quality, I have noted some excellent presentation and innovative packaging developments. Seeing a smartly packaged, well designed product makes a treat for consumers’ eyes before it even reaches their taste-buds and it’s great to see industry taking note of this.
The judges reviewed everything from ice creams and cakes to roasting joints and steaks across the multiple categories.
“The FMT Food Industry Awards are going from strength to strength every year. The awards really do offer a benchmark for the food industry. We are seeing growth in participation from many leading manufacturers and retailers, and the quality of products is improving every year.”
To book tickets for the Awards lunch on 9th February visit www.foodmanagement.today/awards-tickets or for more information call Emma Cash on 01908 613323. For partnership information contact Michelle Ingerfield on michelle.i@yandellmedia.com or 01908 613323.
