Perween Warsi 2012
Last year’s Personality of the Year was Derby curry queen Perween Warsi.
Warsi said that she had long dreamed about putting the quality right for Indian food, but never thought she would be recognised for her work with“such a prestigious award”.
She said the award was recognition that she had made a contribution to raising the bar in terms of quality and that it meant a great deal to her, her business and her colleagues.
Watch our exclusive video with Warsi, filmed at the award ceremony, to hear her top three tips for all food and drink manufacturers.
The award judges, led by food industry guru Paul Wilkinson, said: “Perween Warsi is an astute businesswoman. But she is also a doughty champion of women in business. She is no stranger to awards, having received an MBE in 1997 followed by a CBE in 2002 for her various activities – both nationally and locally. So, it is most fitting that she should now receive recognition from her peers in the food and drink sector.”
She fought off stiff competition from short-listed candidates: Judy Buttriss, director general, British Nutrition Foundation; Michael Clarke, chief executive, Premier Foods; Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, TV personality and chef; James Lambert, former chief executive of R&R Ice Cream; and Levi Roots, food entrepreneur.
Click here for more on Warsi’s achievements.
Meanwhile, to vote for this year's Personality of the Year, click here.