This year’s awards saw 252 businesses from across the country recognised for their contributions to the UK economy in one of four categories – innovation, international trade, promoting opportunity (through social mobility) and sustainable development.
Warrendale Wagyu was one of the many businesses recognised for their ‘outstanding achievements’ in innovation, specifically its work with a quality breed of cattle and of UK farmers to drive a ‘customer-led’ approach.
Commenting on the award, Warrendale Wagyu founder Jim Bloom said: “Receiving the Kings Award is an honour for Warrendale Wagyu after founding the business 7 years ago.
Valuable supply chain
“We work closely with many farmers across the UK to produce British Wagyu Beef and are also very fortunate to have established some long-term customers who value the product and supply chain we have created.
“The award is great recognition of our efforts in building relationships and working with some great partners to create sustainable business.”
Luxury chocolatier Harry Specters was also honoured in this year’s awards, recognised for its work providing and advancing employment opportunities for autistic people. It was one of just seven businesses that received am award for promoting opportunity.
A full list of the food and drink businesses that won an award can be found in the box below. The full list can be found on The Gazette’s website.
Entrepreneurial spirit
Minister for enterprise Kevin Hollindrake added: “I congratulate the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who exemplify the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of British business.
“I wish them every success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to communities both at home and overseas, helping to grow the UK economy.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.
The Award programme, now in its 58th year, has awarded more than 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
Businesses recognised in last year’s awards included First Milk, seafood processor Ideal Foods and Fever Tree Drinks.
Food and drink businesses in the 2024 King's Awards for Enterprise
Innovation:
Frugalpac – Producer of paper wine bottles
S&A Group Holdings – Grower and exporter of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and British asparagus
Warrendale Wagyu – Producer of British wagyu beef
International trade:
Direct Meats – Representative and exporter for small, private-label branded farms
Double Dutch– Premium tonics and mixers manufacturer
Global Brands – Producer and distributor of alcoholic beverages
Gusbourne – UK wine producer
Millbrook Dairy Company – Dairy products manufacturer
Willo Game Limited – Exporter of game to the EU and Hong Kong
Promoting opportunity (through social mobility):
Harry Specters – Luxury chocolatier
Sustainable development:
Ahmad Tea – Producer of teas
Apetito – Frozen ready meals for hospitals and care homes
Lynher Dairies – Dairy products manufacturer
Mindful Chef – Meal kit producer
Muntons – Supplier of brewing and distilling malts and malted ingredients
