Waitrose technical manager and FMEA judge Jonathon Bayne told us it had been a “really good year” for entries in an exclusive video interview filmed after the judging, last Thursday (September 3).
“It’s been a really good year in terms of the quality of entries and the depth of entries,” he told FoodManufacture.co.uk.
“With lots of them – over 90 entries this year – from a diversity of companies, both large, medium and small. What’s really reassuring is to see the volume of smaller companies making their effort to enter awards because they are an important part of the industry.”
‘Courage and conviction’
Bayne praised small firms for having the courage and conviction to enter awards against the big players from the food and drink industry.
Watch this video to find out why he said small businesses could act as a pathfinder due to being more adventurous and creative than their larger counterparts.
The FMEAs, now it their 15th consecutive year, take place on Tuesday November 3 at the Lancaster Hotel in London.
For more information, including how to book your place at this year’s carnival-themed awards ceremony, click here.
Entries to the awards are now closed, however, you can vote for who you think should be crowned Food Manufacturing Personality of the Year here.