In this exclusive video, filmed after he received the award from category sponsor b3 jobs, Kalinowski said: “To attract more young talent, [food manufacturers] should probably put a lot more advertisements up on social networking sites, like Instagram, Facebook or even Twitter.
“Young people, like myself, spend a lot of time on social networking sites, and honestly, I haven’t seen anything on them about the food industry. By having a lot more about it on them – fun advertisements or colourful pictures and things like that – it will attract [more young talent].”
‘It will attract more young talent’
Kalinowski won the award after he distinguished himself at Bradgate Bakery – part of the Samworth Brothers group – as someone who made a significant contribution to the business since starting work two years ago, at the age of 18.
Starting as an apprentice, Kalinowski completed a number of improvement projects, which ultimately saved the business significant sums of money.
Meanwhile, Mash Direct won big at the FMEAs, hosted by TV presenter Carol Smillie at the Hilton on Park Lane, London on November 2. The ready meals and prepared vegetable supplier won the Chilled and Fresh Produce Manufacturing Company of the Year award, and the overall Food Manufacture Company of the Year award.
You can read the full list of winners and finalists here.
Young talent award nominations
- Raheem Gordon, Riverside Bakery, Addo Food Group
- Wojciech Kalinowski, Bradgate Bakery, Samworth Brothers WINNER
- Robert Powell, Dunbia
- Sarah Richards, The Welsh Pantry
- Molly Smith, Weetabix Food Company
- Josh Sloan, Coca-Cola European Partners