The winners of the 2019 Food Management Today Industry Awards were announced on 31st January during a special celebratory lunch at The Royal Garden Hotel, London, attended by around 300 guests.
Celebrity chef and TV presenter John Torode, perhaps best known for his role on the MasterChef television series presented food manufacturers, supermarkets, suppliers and manufacturers with their winning trophies.
The annual Food Management Today Industry Awards are a celebration of the creativity, innovation and excellence across the British food industry and recognised as a major accolade for those winning recognition in one of the 16 categories.
The awards consist of both voting and product entries to determine the best, as chosen by Food Management Today magazine readers, together with a select judging panel for product evaluation. Judging takes place over four days at the test kitchens of the Regional Food Academy at Harpur Adams University in Shropshire.
The prestigious Food Industry Champion title went to Jim Dobson OBE, chief executive of major meat processor, Dunbia.
Dobson said: “I am honoured to have received this award and would like to thank everyone who voted for me. This award is not only a reflection on me but on the whole team at Dunbia.”
Meanwhile, Samworth Brothers won Food Manufacturer of the Year and Iceland Foods was voted Retailer of the Year.
Flor Healy, group chief executive, Samworth Brothers, said: “I am delighted that Samworth Brothers has been recognised for this prestigious industry award. Our people are what sets this business apart and our success would not be possible without their continued commitment to quality.”
Richard Walker, managing director, Iceland Foods, added: “We are delighted to have been named Food Retailer of the Year by Food Management Today. The many accolades we have received over the last few years affirm our success in winning new customers and delighting our established shoppers by developing unique, exciting and great-tasting quality food.”
Other food manufacturers up and down the country won in various product categories and the Best Trade Organisation accolade went to the Provision Trade Federation (PTF).
Andrew Kuyk CBE, the PTF director general, said: “On behalf of members and staff, we are delighted to have won this key award for the third time. Recognition from industry peers is the highest accolade anyone can aspire to.”
The full list of winners is as follows:
Food Industry Champion: Jim Dobson OBE, Dunbia
Food Retailer of the Year: Iceland Foods
Food Manufacturer of the Year: Samworth Brothers
Best Trade Organisation: Provision Trade Federation (PTF)
Best Ingredients Supplier: Kerry Taste & Nutrition
Best Machinery / Equipment Supplier: Treif UK Ltd
Best Training Initiative: ABP UK Talent Academy
Most Innovative Packaging Development: John West No Drain Tuna Fridge Pot
Best New Product Development: The Chicken Egg – Alf Turner
Best Free From Product: Waitrose 6 Spanish Style Pork & Spinach Sausage with Roasted Red Peppers – Walkers Deli & Sausage Co
Best Dairy Product: Aldi Specially Selected Vintage 25 Month Crunchy Cheddar – Dairy Crest Ltd
Best Frozen Product: DC Comics Wonder Woman Beef, Cheese & Bacon Burger – ABP UK
Best Seafood Product: BigFish Salmon Fillets Marinated in Eastern Thai Spices – JCS Fish Ltd
Best Bakery Product: SPAR Luxury Victoria Sponge Cake – Irwin’s Bakery
Best Red Meat Product: Co-op Irresistible 2 Beef Rib & Ale Burgers – Dunbia
Best Poultry Product: Aldi Specially Selected Free Range Whole Chicken – 2 Sisters Food Group
The FMT Food Industry Awards are partnered by:
