Step inside the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2023

The awards once again took place at the Hilton Bankside London, where guests enjoyed a night of celebration, fine food and recognition for the hard work they’ve put in to keeping the nation fed.

Finnebrogue Artisan was crowned Food Manufacture Company of the Year and also took home the prize for Plant-based Manufacturing Company of the Year.

Double award winners ​

Raynor Foods was also a double award winner, with food technologist Patrick Jackson scooping the Future Talent Award while the business was named Chilled, Fresh & Dairy Manufacturing Company of the Year.

This year also saw the return of Inside the Factory ​star Cherry Healey to host the event after serving as master of ceremonies for the 2022 awards.

Commenting on the awards, she said: “It was a real joy because we had just come out of the pandemic and it was overwhelmingly emotional to be here with everyone. I remember saying I felt like my people had called me home, that this [the FMEAs] was the mothership.

“I’ve done inside the factory for nearly eight years, so I felt so at home and so welcome in the environment that when I got the invitation to come do it again I was over the moon.”

Appreciation for the industry​

When asked to describe the awards in one word, Healey immediately said it was all about appreciation.

“When I go out to visit factories and boutique producers, people can often do things in isolation,” she added. “They don’t see how much it means to people, the quality of food and how much joy it brings you every single day.

“To have the variety and quality that we do in this country is remarkable, so I want to give a message of really deep appreciation to the people here tonight.”

Watch this video for a glimpse into the awards night and what you could experience at our next awards.