The accolade – part of Food Manufacture Group’s Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards – was created to recognise the person who has done the most to promote the food and drink processing industry in the past year.
It is presented to the individual who, the readers feel, has made the most significant contribution to the sector. That could have been by brokering deals, transforming the fortunes of his or her business, or simply delivering exceptional results.
The line-up
The six contenders include Premier Foods boss Gavin Darby, Greencore boss Patrick Coveney and Chris Elliott, professor of food safety at the Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast. Adnams ceo Dr Andy Wood, Charlie Bigham’s founder Charlie Bigham, and founders of Sweet Mandarin, who were awarded MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list, complete the line-up.
Readers can vote for their choice from the shortlist, which is drawn up by Food Manufacture’s editorial team, here.
Take a look at the gallery of competitors for more information on their background.
Previous winners
This year’s winner will join an illustrious and high-profile group. Previous winners have included Jimmy Doherty, TV presenter and farmer, famous for the TV show Jimmy’s Farm, John Foster, md of Fosters Bakery, and Perween Warsi, boss of ethnic food company S&A Foods.
Last year’s winner was Richard Clothier, md of cheese maker Wyke Farms. He was presented with the award in recognition of his achievements in leading the company to become the third biggest UK cheddar manufacturer and his strong stance on environmental issues.
Voting closes on September 26, so don’t delay – register your vote now so you can ensure the most deserving person wins.