Win-win event

The Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards the industry's Oscars lived up to their promise again this year with the best companies in the business receiving the recognition they so richly deserved at the awards ceremony that was held in London last month.

Despite the financial crises affecting the globe and the problems of many other manufacturing sectors, Britain's food manufacturers proved that their innovative spirit and entrepreneurial flair offered the sort of dynamism necessary to help pull the nation through these desperate times.

Kicking off the evening, Food and Drink Federation (FDF) director general Melanie Leech reported that the food and drink sector had consistently posted positive growth when other manufacturing sectors had fallen back. Not only is it a critically important generator of income for the nation's coffers through the taxes it generates, it provides secure, rewarding and fulfilling employment for hundreds of thousands of people.

But the industry also needs to raise its profile among politicians and the general public something well recognised by the FDF, which is campaigning hard to achieve that goal. And the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards are also playing an important part in achieving this end, by recognising the achievements of many unsung heroes within the sector.

Britain's food manufacturers continue to provide an exciting array of tasty food and drink, which meets consumers' changing requirements and lifestyles, while playing a crucial role in ensuring sustainable, secure food supplies. Those working within the sector are also working hard to address the pressing issues of the day, such as concerns about diet and health, while striving to reduce the environmental impact of the foods they supply.

Our experienced panel of independent judges, led by chairman Paul Wilkinson, were once again presented with the challenging task of deciding which of the high-calibre list of entrants should walk off with the prizes.

The category awards were judged against a list of seven criteria that covers: category management; marketing and new product development; supply chain improvement; quality assurance; health, safety and environmental management; process innovation; and human resource development.

From the winners of the individual categories, the Food Manufacturing Company of the Year was selected. Awards were also made for Personality of the Year, Small Company of the Year and the Judges' Special Award.

In addition, an award for Best Training Programme of the Year recognised the importance the sector places on raising the skills of its employees.