How to win a Food Manufacture Excellence Awards trophy

The Food Manufacture Awards are a fabulous way to generate positive publicity for your company, enhance your profile and reward team success; with a very fun party at the end of it all!

If you’re keen to enter the 2026 awards but unsure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve put together a handy guide for you, alongside insight from some of the judges on what they’ll be looking out for.

Thanks to our headline sponsors Menzies, and event sponsors Domino Printing Sciences and Reed, for supporting the 2026 awards.

Where do I start?

The important thing to keep in mind is to take the judges on a journey, outline your stories of success and how you’ve overcome recent challenges. And remember, no one is perfect; don’t think a hiccup in this year or the previous is something to be ashamed of - many past winners have had a bumpy ride or a shaky start to the year. What made them stand out was the fact they turned it around.

So, hopefully the pep talk has worked and you’re raring to start your application. But...where do you actually start? Well the first round (the online form) has prompting questions, some are really simple, factual based questions and others are more focused on your approach, ethos and goals.

I appreciate writing can be difficult, even as a journalist the words sometimes take a while to trickle out onto the page. The trick is to simply get writing. Even if you’re thinking: ‘This is awful, the structure is all over the place, I’m waffling, it’s probably riddled with typos’ - it doesn’t matter. Rome wasn’t created in a day and neither are most good applications. You can always refine it!

Moreover, you don’t have to complete your application all in one go - feel free to put it on ice for a couple days and return with fresh eyes. And you will probably find that once you start writing, that problem isn’t finding the words, it’s having too much to say.

Whilst some people will find it easier to just write fully formed thoughts down as they come and then edit later, others might prefer to jot down bullet points first. Whatever approach you take, consider the following: your key milestones, the biggest challenges you have faced, how you overcame those obstacles and the improvements you’re making.

All 14 categories are subject to two rounds. The first round (completing the written entry) allows our judges to select the finalists. The second round (an online interview) allows our judges to select the winner for their respective awards.

If the idea of presenting in front of a panel sounds scary, it really isn’t. The panel want you to do well! Plus, this is a great opportunity to boast about all the amazing things you’ve done. Use your online entry as a springboard and simply delve into a little more detail. It’s also fine to have some notes on you for the interview, but I do recommend a practice in front of a mirror or colleague prior to the real thing.

The most important part is to be genuine and allow your passion to shine through.

Am I eligible?

To enter your business needs to manufacture food, drink or ingredients - you can be any size. It’s also fine if you manufacture outside the UK, but you need to have some sort of UK operation in place.

The exception to the ‘manufacture rule’ is the Collaboration and Partnership Award, wherein service providers may enter on behalf of manufacturing clients. We also welcome partnerships for The Innovation Award, for example a producer may enter alongside a research institute or technology provider. In both cases, the trophy will be given to the manufacturer.

More guidance on edibility can be found on the website.

How do I enter?

To enter the awards, you simply need to visit the dedicated awards page and select the award/s you wish to enter. You can enter as many categories as you like.

What makes a winning entry?

Manufacturer of the Year

This award is open to any UK-based (or with operations in this market) food/drink manufacturing company of any size, from frozen, to confectionery, to ambient, to alcohol, to pet food. The winner of this title must show they have gone above and beyond as a producer whatever their category is.

“Winning Manufacturer of the Year 2025 with Daily Dose was a milestone in our journey, and one made even more meaningful by the calibre of the competition,” said the beverage company’s founder George Hughes-Davies.

“Across the industry there are so many businesses doing remarkable things, from breakthrough innovation to major investments in people and technology, which makes recognition at this level truly special. Our own path, from start-up beginnings to building a high-performing team in a new state-of-the-art site, showed me just how much resilience and vision it takes to stand out.

“As a judge, I’ll be looking for entrants who embody those same qualities: a clear sense of purpose, the courage to innovate, and the ability to execute at the highest standard while inspiring others. The strongest contenders won’t just prove commercial success, but will demonstrate that they are actively shaping the future of food manufacturing.”

Engineer of the Year

New for 2026, the Engineer of the Year award recognises an individual who goes beyond simply fixing equipment. We’re looking for someone who demonstrates outstanding technical expertise, a proactive and solutions-driven mindset, and a genuine commitment to supporting their team and customers.

“The candidate I’m looking for will be providing high levels of support services to customers within the food manufacturing sector,” said judge John Prendergast, who spent his whole working life in a customer service role as a field service engineer, supervisor, manager/director.

Prendergast said the winner will demonstrate an understanding of the demands placed upon the customer, who, in turn, supply supermarkets, food service organisations etc.

“With this understanding, the individual must be technically competent, having a continuous personal development mindset. The candidate must show a decisive characteristic, making sound decisions in the face of adversity, and can think outside of the box.

“Communication, both internal and particularly with the customer, is the second required characteristic after technical ability, and needs to be at the highest level.

“It would be interesting to see any quality of service measurements that the organisation collect, or, what the individual perceives as ‘good service’ and if the candidates uphold those values.

“My outlook on measuring customer satisfaction has been in three parts: One, did we fix the machine/problem? Two, did we execute the work to the expectation and satisfaction of the customer? And three, did we fix the machine and the customer?”

“I’ll be looking for someone who adds another dimension to the typical engineering remit with an emphasis on food,” added fellow Engineer of the Year judge and experienced multi-site head of engineer, Tony Turner.

“They should demonstrate a commitment to improving efficiency, food safety, food quality, along with technical excellence, innovative approach, and sustainability focus. They should have a strong track record of solving complex challenges and driving continuous improvement.

“Equally, they should have a leader mindset, collaborating effectively across teams, upholding high ethical and safety standards, and mentoring others. The ideal candidate combines innovation with integrity, delivering measurable improvements while inspiring those around them.”

Best Newcomer

This award is for any food/drink start-up and celebrates the achievements and potential of a promising new entrant in the food and drink industry.

Best Newcomer recognises a recently established business that has demonstrated innovation, growth and resilience in its early stages of development.

“What I’m hoping to see in the winning entry is either something really innovative, considerate of the market and niche it creates/fills or something exceptionally good and done well,” said judge Ash Stretton, M&S food regulatory affairs manager.

“I am really keen to see how the product went from concept through to market and the story that tells and how they intend to go from newcomer to long-term market contender.”

Business Leader of the Year

This prize honours an exceptional leader who has demonstrated visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and a profound impact on their organisation and industry. This is open to C-suite level only.

“To win Business Leader of the Year, entrants must demonstrate inspiring leadership and a bold strategic vision, underpinned by strong financial performance and sustainable growth,” advised judge Charlotte Langdon, who is a partner at Menzies - the headline sponsor of the FMEAs.

“I’ll be looking for individuals who show clear strategic leadership - those who embrace creativity, innovation, and bravery to uncover new opportunities, even in the face of challenging market conditions. It’s about recognising leaders who not only deliver results but also shape the future of their industry.”

Site Team of the Year

This award recognises an outstanding team at a UK food and beverage manufacturing site that has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, innovation and operational excellence.

Site Team of the Year celebrates the collective achievements of a manufacturing team who have significantly contributed to the success of their plant through collaboration, efficiency and dedication to quality and safety standards.

“For the Site Team of the Year, most fundamentally I am looking for the best example of two primary attributes: One, outstanding achievement of results delivered through; and two, collaborative teamwork across a broad base of the site team. And to win Site Team of the Year I am of course looking for that extra special ‘wow factor’, something that sets a benchmark that others will aspire to!” said Mathew Thewlis, operations director at Warburtons.

Thewlis added that he’ll be keeping an eye out for a team who has demonstrated a “significant contribution to the organisation as a whole”, with a clear example of how they have helped to fulfil both the immediate in-year goals and longer term strategic ambitions.

“I am thinking of attributes such as health and safety, culture and engagement, product and service quality, innovation, market share and financial performance,” he offered.

It should feel “special” too, going beyond a team that simply works well together, to one which has demonstrated how different skills, talents and perspectives have brought about incredible insight, passion and shared energy.

“Everyone loves a feel good story of how common endeavour builds close enduring bonds and life long camaraderie - I’m no different,” he continued.

“Now in my third year of judging these fantastic awards I am really excited to hear and be inspired by the stories on offer. Bring it on!”

Collaboration and Partnership Award

This award recognises companies that have successfully formed joint ventures which have led to significant benefits for the parties involved, including innovation, market expansion, improved sustainability, and enhanced operational efficiency.

“Collaboration in the food industry is crucial to magnifying speed and impact in this fast-evolving world. In the Collaboration and Partnerships category, I’ll be looking for manufacturers that have worked side by side with partners to achieve more together than they could do so alone. I am looking for clear evidence of joint-innovation, improved efficiencies, sustainability gains, or driving real value for consumers,” said judge David Lloyd, managing director and scientific consultant at FoodSci Consulting Ltd.

“The strongest entries will cover multiple areas and showcase how they have worked well together on top of what they have delivered.”

Employer of the Year

The Employer of the Year award honours a company that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and motivating workplace environment.

This award recognises food and drink businesses that prioritise employee well-being, foster professional development and implement innovative HR practices that contribute to a thriving workforce.

“I’m looking for employers who walk the talk when it comes to people-first leadership - businesses where culture isn’t just a buzzword, but the core of how they operate – and I want to be able to see real evidence of this," said the founder of Fearless Foodies and podcaster Amy Wilkinson.

The leadership coach added: “I want to see progressive, practical action that empowers people to grow, feel safe to speak up, and thrive personally and professionally. I’ll be looking for those who are building the kind of workplace where people want to stay, contribute, and shine – through demonstrating things such as inclusive leadership, innovative development programmes or genuinely prioritising well-being."

Factory Manager of the Year

This award recognises an outstanding food/drink factory manager who has significantly contributed to the success of their food manufacturing facility, ensuring high standards of productivity, quality, safety and employee satisfaction.

“The Factory Manager of the year is someone with a relentless and contagious passion for continuous improvement in all areas of their site. A person who inspires others to reach their full potential and creates an environment where healthy debate and cross-functional collaboration are commonplace,” said judge Katie Satterthwaite, the director of Food Safety Excellence.

“They will steer their site to consistently achieve excellent standards and lead by example, not only in Food safety and quality, but personal and product integrity.”

“I would be looking for a factory manager who demonstrates inspirational leadership who drives operational excellence through innovation and continuous improvement. Someone who makes a clear strategic impact on both people and performance,” added Mark Baggaley, Hovis’s group head of strategic transformation.

“The ideal candidate will show a strong commitment to safety, quality and sustainability, while fostering collaboration, accountability and development within their teams. Above all they will be a resilient leader whose integrity and vision delivers lasting transformation for their business and customers.”

The Food Integrity Award

This award recognises a food/drink company that has embraced integrity throughout its entire supply chain.

We are looking for a business that truly champions transparency, ethical sourcing and consumer trust, alongside fostering a food safety culture among all employees.

The winner of this accolade will be setting a benchmark for fellow industry players.

“The Food Manufacture Excellence Awards are always a standout milestone in my calendar as they are an opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses in our amazing industry,” said esteemed independent food safety consultant, Alec Kyriakides.

“As a judge of the Food Integrity Champion category, I cannot wait to see examples of the passion that individuals or businesses demonstrate in delivering high standards of integrity in their business, supply chain or ways of working.

“This doesn’t have to be earth shattering as I am just as keen to see the underpinning motivation behind the idea and delivery as I am about the initiative itself. So, I look forward to seeing the best of what our industry has to offer which I know is going to be amazing.”

Future Talent

This award celebrates the exceptional achievements and potential of young (under 30) professionals and emerging leaders in the food and drink processing industry.

Jon Poole, managing director of leadership consultancy, Step Change Development is judging two awards this year - Future Talent and Business Leader of the Year.

“This year, I’m privileged to be judging awards recognising exceptional individuals at two different stages of their careers - those who are excelling as food industry leaders, and those who are our future talent, our leaders of the future,” he said.

Commenting on what he’ll be keeping his eyes peeled out for, he added: “All those nominated will have demonstrated exceptional qualities within their businesses and our difficult job as judges, is to determine the very best of those entries.

“I will be particularly looking for real-life examples that illustrate how individuals have gone above and beyond what is normally expected of them in the course of their roles.

“It’s always a fascinating and inspiring process to be part of and I always come away having learned so much about what excellence looks like in practice.”

Wilkinson, who will join Poole on the Future Talent panel, added: “I’ll be looking for someone who’s shown the courage to try to make a difference - whether that’s through bold ideas, quiet confidence, or simply doing things a bit differently.

“This award isn’t about being the loudest, most confident voice in the room, but about having the drive to grow, challenge themselves, and create positive change in their own way. Whether they’ve improved a process, lifted up others, or brought fresh energy and perspective, I want to see a spark - someone who’s felt the fear and done it anyway!”

Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year

This will be awarded to a business that has made a significant impact in advancing sustainable food practices.

This green food champ leads the way in reducing environmental impact. This could include souring locally, energy-efficient operations, waste reduction, or the adoption of regenerative or organic farming, to name a few.

“I am really looking forward to judging this years Sustainable Manufacturer of the year award,” commented judge David Moore, group head of ESG at The Compleat Food Group.

“I would really like to see how this years winner has built a clear link between sustainability and commercial to drive systemic change. It is definitely possible to run a profitable and sustainable business but there aren’t may clear examples.”

“I am looking for entries that show ESG is not just a tick-box exercise, but a core part of an organisation’s strategy and culture,” added fellow judge, Rich Singleton, who works as Menzies’ head of finance and sustainability.

“I want to see initiatives that deliver measurable impact and demonstrate genuine commitment. The most compelling submissions will show how ESG has been used to spark innovation and creativity—driving not only positive change but also commercial success through new customers and revenue streams. Ultimately, it’s about showing that ESG is a strategic enabler and a win-win for both business and society."

Health Hero

We’re looking for businesses which have made significant strides in promoting consumer health and well-being. This could be through an innovative product launch or even a campaign.

Entrants must be able to back up their claims, showing a measurable impact they have made towards the UK’s health.

“As a registered dietitian working in food and drink marketing, I’m passionate about seeing innovation that not only excites consumers but also genuinely supports healthier choices,” said the founder of Chickpea Marketing and judge, Corrine Toyn.

“In judging the ‘Health Hero’ category, I’ll be looking for entrants that combine evidence-based nutrition, great taste, and real-world appeal — making it easier for people to enjoy food and drinks that are both delicious and good for them."

The Innovation Award

This award is all about new and exciting ideas coming to fruition which have the potential to revolutionise the food and drink industry and its customers.

We’re looking for pioneering research or developed innovative products, processes, or successful technology transformations that are making a big impact. You must be a food/drink manufacturer to enter this award, but we welcome you entering in partnership with a research institute or technology provider, or other partner should this be more appropriate.

“For The Innovation Award, I’m looking for a winning entrant that demonstrates the bold application of new technology or a fresh, imaginative use of existing technology to meet a genuine market need,” said the experienced food technologist and director of CGW Foodtech Ltd, Chris Gilbert-Wood.

“Crucially, the innovation should not only offer commercial relevance but also contribute meaningfully to addressing the environmental and social challenges facing today’s food system. It’s about solutions that are both innovative and responsible ideas that move the sector forward while keeping sustainability and societal impact at their core.”

Outstanding Community Engagement

This prize celebrates exceptional efforts by organisations in the food sector for engaging with and supporting their local communities. It recognises initiatives that have made a significant positive impact on community well-being, including activities that promote nutrition, education, sustainability and/or social responsibility.

"I’m looking for entrants who go beyond business as usual; those that listen to their communities, partner authentically, and create lasting, meaningful impact,“ said judge and managing director of Wyke Farms, Richard Clothier.

"True excellence is found within initiatives that both innovate and inspire, empowering people at every level and leave a genuine, positive legacy that will improve lives for the generations that follow. Creativity, collaboration, and a tangible difference in people’s lives will stand out for me."

Fellow judge, Ramona Hazan, founder of RAMONA’S, added: “For me, the winner of Outstanding Community Engagement will be the business that demonstrates genuine, long term commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond its own walls.

“I’ll be looking for initiatives that are not only creative and impactful, but also authentic. Those are where you can see the care, creativity, and commitment to making a positive difference. I’m especially inspired when companies bring their teams and local communities together, creating partnerships that last and leave a real, lasting impact.”