Food and drink firms recognised in Queen’s Awards

This year saw five companies from across the industry acknowledged for their accomplishments over the past year.

GDR Food Technology, trading as Just Gluten Free Bakery, received recognition for innovation in this year’s awards.

The food and drink industry saw more wins in the International Trade category, with three companies taking home awards:  superfood distributor Go Superfoods, confectionery manufacturer Honeycomb Project Management and craft spirits producer Maverick Drinks.

Sustainable development

Ingredients manufacturer LittlePod was one of eight businesses to be acknowledged for its sustainable development in this year’s awards.

The company described the award as a “memorable marker in the LittlePod story of ‘true grit to glory’ as it is the highest accolade that a business can achieve in the UK with global recognition”.

Commenting on this year’s winners, business secretary Sajid Javid said: “The Queen’s Awards are a great way of celebrating the best of British business. Whether you’re a disruptive start-up making life easier for your customers or a large company with a blockbuster product, these awards recognise your contribution to enterprise.

“We are a country full of exciting and innovative businesses that deserve to be celebrated. I’d like to commend all the winners for their hard work in creating jobs for people and driving our growing economy.”

Firms that excel

The awards, established in 1965, are the highest official recognition for British businesses and are given to firms that excel within areas such as international trade, innovation and sustainable development.

Last year’s food and drink industry winners included tea maker Bettys & Taylors Group, Suma Wholefoods and Union Hand Roasted Coffee. Click here to see a photogallery of 2017’s award recipients.

Meanwhile, the quest for trailblazing food science and technology students is underway, with the launch of the annual Ecotrophelia awards, backed by food and drink research and services organisation Campden BRI and the Institute of Food Science & Technology.