Representatives from across the supply chain came together virtually to celebrate the efforts of the food and drink industry over the last year at the Food and Drink Federation Awards 2020.

The event toasted the achievements of the sector across a variety of categories including areas of innovation, sustainability, and growth.

The awards also recognised the efforts of the exceptional individuals who work within the industry. The ceremony was hosted by celebrity restaurant critic and food journalist for The Observer, Jay Rayner. The awards were sponsored by Headline Partner, Santander UK.

Ian Wright CBE, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said:

Every year, the FDF Awards is inundated with high calibre entries from across our industry. For 2020 the judging was particularly challenging, as every single entrant played a crucial role in feeding our country during the pandemic.

“We should all be immensely proud of the way in which food and drink – at all points in the supply chain, from farm to fork – has responded.

“In manufacturing facilities, in stores and distribution centres and on farms, our people have been the hidden heroes of this most testing year.”

‘This is the time to celebrate all of you’

Wright continued:

“This is the time to celebrate all of you. We thank our headline partner Santander UK and all of our award sponsors.

I also thank all those who donated to our silent auction supporting GroceryAid and the bidders who take them home.

Andrew Williams, Head of Food & Drink, Santander UK, said:

“Santander is delighted to be a long-standing partner of the FDF and the annual awards are a highlight of this partnership.

“These awards showcase the amazing innovation, competitiveness and talent in the industry and I would like to thank all those who took the time to enter last year, despite the challenges of the current environment.”

Award winners:

  • Lifetime Achievement – Dr. Roger Angold;
  • Apprentice of the Year – Jordan Brosnan, Coca-Cola European Partners;
  • Brand Launch of the Year – Green Cuisine, Birds Eye (Nomad Foods);
  • Campaign of the Year – KP ‘Check your Nuts’ Movember Campaign;
  • Community Partner – The Bread and Butter Thing;
  • Diet and Health – Aunt Bessie’s, Nomad Foods;
  • Education Initiative – Britvic PLC, Britvic’s Young Persons Programme;
  • Emerging Business – PLAYin CHOC;
  • Engineer of the Year – Emma McLeod, Mondelez International;
  • Environmental Leadership – Milk & More;
  • Exporter of the Year – Wyke Farms Ltd;
  • Hidden Hero (Team) – Moy Park’s Culinary Team in Craigavon;
  • Hidden Hero (Individual) – Erika Burany, Unilever UK & Ireland;
  • HR Initiative – PepsiCo, ‘Grow our Own’ Training and Education Programme;
  • Innovation – Meatless Farm;
  • Registered Nutritionist/Dietitian of the Year – Lauren Woodley, Nomad Foods;
  • Rising Star – Oliver Bradbury, Premier Foods;
  • Scientist of the Year – Dr Steven Muir, Agrico UK Ltd;
  • Sustainable Packaging Initiative – Coca-Cola Great Britain and Coca-Cola European Partners;
  • Sustainable Packaging Initiative – Little Freddie Organic Baby & Toddler Food.