The Oscars of the food manufacturing sector – now in their 14th year – aim to showcase the best of British food and drink manufacturing. We want to celebrate the achievement of firms that have introduced innovative new products, reducing production costs and generally wowed their customers.
Managed for success
We are look for examples of world-leading businesses that have managed for success – despite the downturn in consumer spending and the price war between Britain’s big four supermarkets, as they slug it out, under pressure from discount stores.
But the awards are about more than simply operational and business efficiency. We are also looking for the Environmental Initiative of the Year, Training Programme of the Year and, a new award, Young Talent of the Year.
Also, the Judges’ Star Performer award will be made to the firm that, in the judges’ opinion, has been outstanding in one particular area of activity.
Entry is free and simple. Complete an online entry form or download a form to complete and return by post. This year’s Awards will be presented at the London Hilton in Park Lane on Thursday November 20.
James Bond theme
With its James Bond theme, this will be a gala celebration of all that is best in British food and drink manufacturing. On the subject of Bond, discover how well you know Britain’s most famous 00 special agent by taking our fun quiz below.
From the nine category winners, the judges – led by Paul Wilkinson – will select the Food Manufacturing Company of the Year. Last year Premier Foods – Ashford took the prize for turning around a business earmarked for closure in 2007. According to the judges: “Premier had shown great skill in carrying out a major restructuring of its operation against a difficult backdrop, which has resulted in continuous improvements year-on-year.”
To enter the awards, visit the awards website or email Rebecca George at: rebecca.george@wrbm.com or call her on: 01293 610422.
Meanwhile, how well do you know Mr Bond? Take our fun quiz. The answers appear below the FMEA categories. Name Bond’s favourite:
- Cocktail?
- Car?
- Firearm?
- Champagne?
- Card game?
- Whisky?
- Cigarettes?
The answers appear at the end of this article.
FMEA Awards categories
- Ambient Manufacturing Company of the Year
- Bakery Manufacturing Company of the Year
- Beverages Manufacturing Company of the Year
- Chilled Food Manufacturing Company of the Year
- Dairy Manufacturing Company of the Year
- Fresh Produce Manufacturing Company of the Year
- Frozen Foods Manufacturing Company of the Year
- Meat and Poultry Manufacturing Company of the Year
- Seafood Manufacturing Company of the Year
Special awards
- Food manufacturing company of the year
- Best new use of food ingredients
- Supply chain initiative of the year
- Training programme of the year
- Environmental initiative of the year
- SME innovation of the year
- Judges’ star performer
Bond's best:
- Cocktail: Vesper Martini – part gin, part vodka and Lillet Blanc wine, Casino Royale
- Car: Aston Martin. DB5 in Goldfinger, Thunderball and others. Vanquish in Die Another Day
- Firearm: Walther PPK 9mm handgun
- Champagne: Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Goldfinger, or Dom Perignon 1952, The Spy Who Loved Me
- Card game: Baccarat, Dr No
- Whisky: The Macallan, SkyFall
- Cigarettes: Morland’s blended Balkan and Turkish mixture
How did you score?
- Seven to six correct answers: 007 status – clearly a Bond aficionado
- Five to three correct answers: ‘Vin ordinaire’ – more homework needed
- Two to zero correct answers: More bronze digit than gold finger