Judging for the 2024 Meat Management Industry Awards has officially kicked off at Harper Adams University, Shropshire. Throughout the week, hundreds of the UK’s finest meat products will be evaluated at the Regional Food Academy’s test kitchens.

Despite only officially commencing this morning (Wednesday 5th June), judges on this year’s panel have reported that, based on the quality and number of entries submitted, the 2024 awards programme will be “one of the most competitive ever”.

Commenting on the evaluation process, publisher of Meat Management magazine Graham Yandell MBE said: “This is a big job for our team of home economists preparing the products in the kitchens this week, which are then put forward for the judges to evaluate. Once again the team have reported a very high standard of entry.”

Keith Fisher, the CEO of the Institute of Meat, who are a regular Awards partner added: “The diversity of companies and brands who participate, and the range and quality of products that are judged, always make this a stand-out annual event. The judging panel will have a busy few days in prospect.”

As part of the annual product judging week, the panel will whittle the entries down to an official finalists shortlist, which will be published shortly after.

This year’s winners will be revealed as part of a glittering dinner and awards ceremony, held in Birmingham on Thursday 19th September. TV presenter and former England rugby player Martin Bayfield is set to host the evening’s proceedings.

Libby Goodwin, organiser for the 2024 MM Meat Industry Awards, said: “We are really looking forward to the next awards ceremony taking place on 19th September. This is always a very special evening with excellent networking.

“With demand for tickets and tables already high this year, I recommend an early visit to the website to reserve places for the September ceremony and to take advantage of an early bird booking discount, which offers a big saving for those reserving tables now.”

With thanks to the 2024 Awards partners: