The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Awards 2018, which took place last night at The Royal Lancaster, London, brought together over 500 guests to celebrate the food and drink manufacturing industry's contribution to the UK.
Jay Rayner, celebrity restaurant critic and food journalist for The Observer, hosted the event which was sponsored by headline partner Santander Corporate & Commercial.
The evening also recognised the first graduates from the MEng Food Engineering degree at Sheffield Hallam University. Developed by the Food and Drink Federation, the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink, and Sheffield Hallam University, the course is the first accredited engineering degree at Master's level entirely dedicated to the needs of the food and drink manufacturing industry.
Some of the key FDF Awards 2018 winners are as follows:
Diet & Health
apetito's Mini Meals Extra product range was designed to offer a nutritious meal in a manageable portion size to individuals at risk of malnutrition, improving health and reducing food waste.
Education Initiative
Nestlé UK's Nestlé Academy Campus Team Initiative involves their apprentices and graduates in designing, planning, and leading engagement activity with schools, colleges, and universities to help inspire the next generation of talent for their business and industry.
Exporter of the Year
Premier Foods products can be found in 40 countries, with over 800 SKUs available internationally. One guiding principal has helped Premier Foods continue to deliver on its ambitious growth trajectory: it partners with local retailers, building long-lasting, insight driven relationships.
Emerging Business
Sticksology's tea infuser sticks have won innovation awards and their unusual business strategy has seen them set up a branch office in Shanghai and help other UK brands to enter the Chinese market.
Special Recognition
Independent ingredients manufacturer Macphie has developed a product range with 30% less sugar, measured against its current standard products, while keeping the same high quality and great taste.
For the fill list of the 15 winners, please go to the Caterlyst Award Winners section, in the right hand column on the Home Page.
Ian Wright CBE, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation, said, 'Warm congratulations to each of the winners of FDF Awards. Our wonderful dynamic industry dictates that every category is closely fought. So, while winning is a significant achievement, every entrant should be proud of their contribution to UK food and drink.
'We are also hugely grateful to Santander Corporate & Commercial - our headline partner - and to all of our Award sponsors. I also thank all those who donated lots to our silent auction supporting GroceryAid and the bidders who take them home.
'This is a night which celebrates the very best our industry has to offer. It is a really precious asset to our country and our people. We must all hope that the challenges we face in the months to come do not undermine the value UK food and drink delivers.'
Andrew Williams, Head of Food & Drink, Santander Corporate & Commercial, said, 'Supporting the food and drink industry has been a focus for Santander over the past few years and sponsoring these fantastic Awards is one way to showcase our ongoing commitment to the sector.
'The standard of nominations was extremely high in all categories and congratulations must go to all the winners. We understand the importance of the sector to the success of the UK economy and were thrilled to celebrate their successes with industry leaders at the Awards.'
