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The secret ingredient to standing out in a competitive market
Entries for the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards are flooding in as the deadline looms closer – but what makes a winner?
Reflecting on past awards, judges and leaders at Menzies LLP, Richard Singleton and Charlotte Langdon, said they continue to be blown away by the “remarkable” innovation they see from the food and drink sector.
“The level of innovation I always take from these awards is just amazing,” Singleton said.
2024 standout entries
A standout entry for Singleton last year was Arla – which performed a hat trick, snapping up all three awards the company entered. This included the new accolade of ESG Excellence, which Singleton helped judge.
His cited the switch-out the cooperative had made from coloured to clear caps, as a particularly impressive move.
This cap change may not sound all that groundbreaking, but the switch has actually enabled a more circular approach.
While the previous lids could be recycled, they couldn’t be used for food packaging again. The roll out of the clear caps means the material can now be reused within the food sector. The clear’s caps are also made from at least 30% recycled material.
“It showed innovation in packaging but also had a significant community impact,” Singleton commented.
Read our interview with Fran Ball, vice president of production at Arla, on the company's win.
How to win an FMEA
Looking ahead, he said he is excited to see how companies are embracing ESG even further that we’ve seen in the past.
“I’ll be looking for a strong commitment to quality and understanding of market demands, but [also] the crucial ability to adapt and innovate.”
For Langdon, it was Bumble Hole Foods’ Andrew Hewston that really stood out, who took away the prestigious Business Leader of the Year award.
“He’d taken the business through so much in the year in question, impressing us with their dedication and innovation in a tough market for an SME,” Hewston said.
Bumble Hole Foods is responsible for supplying eggs and egg products to most of the UK’s major food manufacturers.
“I’ll be looking for inspiring leadership and strategic vision backed by solid growth and financial performance,” Langdon added on 2025’s awards. “I’m particularly interested in companies that demonstrate future potential; by finding new opportunities despite the challenges that they face.”
Offering some advice on what makes a winning entry, Singleton said to focus on quality: “It’s all the quality of the application and make sure there’s backing documentation. It needs to be tailored to each category and tell a story that will really stand out to the judges.”
Want more advice on how to win? Check out this article, featuring exclusive insight from several of our FMEA judges. You can also glean more advice in our exclusive interview with Michelle Laithwaite, co-founder at Fuel Hub which took home the Site Team of the Year prize in 2024.
Why enter the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2025?
As Singleton and Langdon explained, the awards “significantly strengthen” brand reputation, building trust in a competitive market.
“Loyalty only increases off the back of it” and it “only opens up opportunities,” added Singleton, as he encouraged those hesitant to just give it a go and apply.
“It’s not all about large businesses, we really do celebrate innovation and success across the board, from small businesses all the way through to industry giants.”
To enter the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2025, visit foodmanawards.co.uk.
