Ginsters wins food manufacturing supply chain Oscar

The achievements of Ginsters, part of Samworth Brothers, were recognised in front of hundreds of industry guests during a gala award celebration in London last week.   

The firm’s head of supply chain Gavin Mitchell received the award from category sponsor NFT Distribution Operations’ sales and marketing director Dale Fiddy and awards host and star TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith.

The FMEA awards’ independent judging panel – led by Paul Wilkinson, chair of National Skills Academy – praised Ginsters’ improved fleet utilisation, slashing lorry movements by over 40%, and case handling and dispatch costs cut by 20%.

The firm’s holistic approach to problem solving, with a strong accent on local sourcing preference and sustainability really made its mark, said the judges.

‘Supporting the local area’​

“This very rounded entry emphasised Ginsters’ strong commitment to supporting the local area,”​ said one of the judges. “Its supply chain upgrade had not only cut waste, through improved handling and ordering but also improved shelf-life.”​

Ginsters fought off stiff competition from fellow short-listed firms: Coca-Cola Enterprises, Fruitapeel Juice, Hannan Meats, Tulip and 2 Sisters Food Group.

The top award – the Food Manufacture company of the year – was claimed by Moy Park, in a category sponsored by Oghma Partners. The meat business first won the Meat and poultry manufacturing company of the year, sponsored by Dasic, earlier in the evening. Read more about why Moy Park won double honours in the food and drink manufacturing industry Oscars here​.

Preventing campylobacter​

The Food Manufacture Personality of the year award​ was awarded to Jeremy Hall, Bernard Matthews group technical director, for his pioneering work in highlighting the role of rapid surface chilling in preventing campylobacter.

The carnival-themed awards, hosted by TV star Mark Durden-Smith, took place at the Lancaster hotel, London on Tuesday November 3. Don’t miss the full list of FMEA winners and finalists​. 

Meanwhile, register your interest for next year’s food and drink manufacturing Oscars here​.