Food Manufacture Excellence Awards shortlist out imminently

The judging panel, which between them boast more than 150 years of experience working with and in the food industry, met face-to-face to scrutinise the entries on 17 September. The process was deftly chaired by Geoff Eaton, chairman of New England Seafood International and executive chairman of Butcher's Petcare.

Entrants pitch for awards in eight main food categories. Only the winners of these categories are considered eligible for the overall award of Food Manufacture Company of The Year, as well as the awards for Large Company of The Year and Small Company of The Year.

This year, a new Free-From category was introduced in recognition of the intense activity in the sector from companies supplying allergen-free or meat-free products. This main category attracted considerable interest.

Industry Initiatives and People Awards​

In addition to the main categories, there are two other award streams. They are: Industry Initiatives, which consists of the Technology Partnership Award, the Supply Chain Partnership Award, the Training Award and the Award for Export, and People Awards, incorporating Apprentice of The Year and Site Team of The Year.

A list of finalists has now been drawn up for all categories and will be revealed in print and online early next month, so keep your eyes open if you submitted an entry!

Winners will be announced at a gala night on 13 February at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. The theme of the event will be Rock of Ages, so dust off your best air guitar moves! Last year's awards ceremony was fully booked, so seize the moment and book your table early​​.