Meet the Finalists: Ambient Manufacturing Company of the year

Fudge Kitchen

Fudge Kitchen has been producing premium confectionery for almost 40 years. Its traditional slab fudge is handmade in small batches across its six UK shops, whilst the rest of its product lines are made at a bespoke production kitchen, which has been open since 2012 in the heart of the Kentish countryside.

In the last year, the company completed a rebrand, with sustainability at its heart.

All its packaging is now sustainably sourced and fully recyclable, and its delectable’s range is packaged in fully compostable pouches. It has also made changes to the way its sources ingredients using Luker Chocolate, an ethically sourced Colombian chocolate manufacturer while also launching its own plant-based range. 

Simply Doughnuts

Simply Doughnuts is the manufacturer of fresh doughnuts that have an exceptionally long 30-day shelf-life in ambient conditions. 

The company, which is based in Blackburn, Lancashire and was a winner of the 2021 Food Manufacture Bakery Manufacturing Company of the Year award remains focused on expansion.  

It has invested in new plant and processes to boost capacity to meet the growing orders and to reduce waste. 

A collaborative venture with Bobby’s Foods has given the company a new and effective route to market for forecourts and convenience stores. Similarly,  it has developed new relationships with supermarket brands in Europe and the Gulf States. 

To retain quality standards staff are given intensive training and the company has maintained its BRCGS AA+ quality rating. 

Sleaford Quality Foods​ ​

Sleaford Quality Foods is the supplier of ambient ingredients and blends to the manufacturing, catering and foodservice industries. 

Products include herbs, spices, seasoning, dried & dehydrated fruits/vegetables, pulses and innovative blends. It also has advanced production, NPD, blending and technical facilities. 

The company has won significant new business in the past twelve months via single ingredients and several new blends. 

Over the last year it has  focused on improving Supply chain management transparency and in Summer 2022 it launched a new Technical Portal, which allows customers to instantly connect to  information on approved suppliers. 

The company has also focused on its continuous improvement initiative where team members from all functions have been involved with ideas generated from shop floor team meetings. The success of the scheme has seen the company invest across the business in various initiatives to improve efficiency. 

• The Food Manufacture Excellence Awards are also searching for nominations for the Business Leader of the Year category​. 
• The Food Manufacture Excellence Awards will take place on Thursday 9th February 2023 at the London Hilton Bankside. To book click here​