The Nestlé UK and Ireland chairman and ceo became a dame in the honours list, which recognises outstanding contributions from business, cultural and political leaders. One of a number of people with food connections to receive an honour, Kendrick said the award recognised the importance of the food and drink manufacturing sector.
“I am particularly pleased because it recognises the importance of UK food manufacturing,” she said. “I have just started my role as president of the Food and Drink Federation [FDF], which represents our industry and I am looking forward to continuing our work to raise awareness of the importance of food manufacturing.
“I particularly want to encourage our industry to provide employment and training opportunities for young people.”
‘Services to Kit Kats’
But not everyone was impressed by the award. The Guardian columnist Catherine Bennett noted an award made to an unnamed “executive from Nestlé, for services to Kit Kats …”. Her article was titled: ‘Damehood. A cosy name that conceals some dubious choices’.
Kendrick became the first ever woman to be appointed chairman and ceo of Nestlé UK and Ireland in October 2012. She took over the role of FDF president from Richard Evans, president of Pepsico West Europe and South Africa last month.
In October, Kendrick urged manufacturers and schools to work together to make children more aware of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. “While young people are interested in STEM subjects at schools, the uptake of careers in these areas is low, with many saying they don’t know enough about the careers that are available.”
‘Don't know enough about the careers available’
Also included on the New Year honours list was former National Union of Farmers (NFU) president Peter Kendall, who received a knighthood.
Kendall led the NFU for eight years between 2006 and 2014, handling the post over to current president Meurig Raymond. Kendall, who is currently chairman of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board described the award, made for services to the agricultural industry in England and Wales, as “a massive honour”.
He added: “I am incredibly proud to receive this honour and to have had the privilege of helping represent and promote British farming, farmers and food production in my time as president of the NFU. It’s an industry that is so important to the country and I see this honour in part as recognition of the vital contribution that British farming makes day-in-day-out.”
Other food related awards:
Order of the British Empire
- Henry Cotterell, former president of the Country Landowners’ Association, for services to the rural community and to charity
- Dr John Damien Fay, director College of agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Northern Ireland Executive, for services to agri-food education
- Dr David Rae, former director of horticulture and learning, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for services to horticulture and education
- David Reynolds, farmer and director Camgrain, for services to agriculture and the community in the east Midlands
- Henry Tweedie, chair Northern Ireland Meat Exporters’ Association, for services to the red meat industry and community in Northern Ireland
Member of the British Empire
- Michael Bowden, president Camborne Agricultural Show and trade stand manager for Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show, for services to agriculture, tourism and the community in Cornwall
- John Broomhall, committee member Nantwich Agricultural Show, for services to agriculture, the rural economy and community in Nantwich, Cheshire
- Stuart Devine, operations director The Ashvale, for services to the seafood industry and charity