Food manufacturing heroes wanted for BBC’s Future Food Award
The award category celebrates the achievements of manufacturers, retailers, farmers and distributors that are driving food industry innovation.
One of nine award categories, the Future Food Award celebrates innovative food chain ideas that have boosted efficiency, cut waste, improved sustainability and environmental management, while improving customer service.
Open to businesses big and small, the category seeks to recognise and share ground-breaking new ideas that can be repeated elsewhere along the food chain. The judges are looking for inspirational stories about how visionary thinking is changing the way food will be produced, distributed or sold in the future.
The award aims to showcase ideas that are scalable, commercially viable and applicable to food production, retail and distribution nationwide.
Initiatives from outside the UK are eligible, provided they have had a big impact in changing the way Britain and the rest of the world thinks about the food chain.
Nominations for entries closes on Sunday January 29.
The judges of this year’s Future Food Award are chef, writer and broadcaster John Vincent and the Food Manufacture Group’s Mike Stones.
Our Cow Molly
The winner of last year’s Future Food Award was Our Cow Molly, a brand created by a family of Sheffield dairy farmers, who were convinced the city’s baristas would pay more for their super-fresh, ‘Made in Sheffield’ milk.
How to win an award
- Read award criteria in order to tell the judges what they need to know
- Bring the nominated person or business to life with a story that captures their charisma and innovation
- Tell the judges why the person or business truly deserves to win
Category finalists were: GrowUp Urban Farms, London and McDonalds’ Beef Carbon Project.
GrowUp Urban Farms is a hydroponic salad growing operation in central London.
McDonalds’ Beef Carbon Project aimed to cut the carbon footprint in its beef supply chain.
Butchers, bakers, cheesemongers
Previous Food & Farming Award winners include: butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, cheesemakers, dairy farmers, farmers’ markets, fish smokers, food writers, dinner ladies, chip shops, broadcasters and campaigners, community food shops and hospital caterers.
The BBC Food & Farming Awards were launched in 2000, to mark the 20th anniversary of Radio 4’s The Food Programme.
Meanwhile, read details about all nine awards in the box below.
BBC Food & Farming Awards 2017 categories
Celebrates cutting-edge innovation and pioneering work that could influence how our food will be grown, distributed or sold in future. This award is for an ambitious and ground-breaking idea found within the food supply chain; from initiatives by national retailers and major food and drink manufacturers to new models being put into practice by farmers and producers. Who’s introducing the new ideas other food businesses will want to follow? It could be work that deals with sustainability, access, health, energy or waste; any initiative which is scalable, commercially viable and applicable to food production and distribution in the UK.
Best Food Producer
Whether it's ham or butter, cheese or bread, condiments or cakes, tell the judges about the people and businesses producing skilfully made, delicious products made with dedication and the best ingredients that Britain can't live without.
Best Drinks Producer
What are the drinks that make you have ‘just one more’? Tell the award judges about the juices that brighten the consumer’s day. It could be the best craft beer, the cider makers, distillers or wine makers producing Britain’s most irresistible drinks.
You and Yours Best Takeaway or Street Food
This category celebrates the people taking takeaways and street food to new levels. Whether it’s ramen noodles or a curry from that restaurant with unbeatable bhajis, the judges want to hear about the best in Britain.
Countryfile Young Farmer Award
This category celebrates the achievement of a farmer under 25 who is passionate about the countryside, and an inspiration to all. This award launches on Countryfile on Sunday 12th March 2017.
Best Food Retailer
The Best Food Retailer award celebrates the achievement of a retail outlet, big or small, that is making a real difference to the way people buy food. It could be a butcher, bakery, fishmonger, corner shop, food co-ops or farm shop that deserves to be celebrated. The judges want to hear about the store selling the best selection of produce and sits at the heart of your community.
The One Show Cook of the Year Award
A good canteen kitchen can transform lives and this category showcases the work of unsung heroes cooking in community centres, hospitals, schools, care homes and universities that are revitalising a public place or institution through food.
The BBC World Service Food Chain Programme ‘Global Champion’ Award
This award will be made to someone who has changed the way we deal with food and whose ideas have had a lasting effect on our relationship with it. The winner will be someone who has inspired others and will be chosen by the judges.
Derek Cooper Outstanding Achievement Award
Named after The Food Programme’s first presenter, this award is for the individual or organisation whose life’s work has brought about real change in our relationship with food. The winner will be chosen by our panel of judges.
Read more about the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2017.
