Rich Products, Müller and ABP are among FMEA finalists

This year proved to be a bumper year for entries to the Food Manufacture​ Excellence Awards (FMEAs) 2022, with numbers up substantially on this year. Considering the disruption the industry was facing, from the aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic's impact to staff and driver shortages that is an impressive achievement for the sector.

Every food and drink category, from ambient and bakery to meat, poultry & seafood and plant-based, was represented by individuals and businesses. The judges confirmed that reading through the accomplishments of the would-be winners in such a tough market was hugely inspiring and encouraging.

Geoff Eaton, chairman of New England Seafood International, executive chairman of Butcher's Pet Care and chair of judges for the FMEAs said: “I was heartened by the number and quality of the entries for this year’s Food Manufacture Excellence Awards.​

'Challenges'​

In a year of so many challenges, it is great see the progress and initiative our colleagues in the food industry have delivered in all aspects of performance.​

"Innovation, sustainability and health were key themes that ran through many entries. Focus on people and in particular the contribution from the younger apprentices and future talent candidates shows great commitment for the long term wellbeing of our industry.”​

Winners will be announced at a sumptuous face-to-face black-tie dinner on 10 February 2022 at London's Hilton Bankside in Great Suffolk Street - within 10 minutes' walk of Tate Modern, The Globe Theatre and Borough Market. The event will kick off at 7pm. Reserve the date and start booking your tables and tickets now​ ​for an unparalleled networking opportunity.

If you have made the finalist list and want to tweet about it, please use the #foodmanawards.

Winners of the main category awards are also eligible to win the overall Food Manufacture​ Company of The Year Award. The recipient will be revealed on 10 February and a Judges Special Award will also be given out on the night. The 2021 overall winner was meat processor Cranswick. The full list of 2021 winners was revealed in an online ceremony on 11 February​​.

Food Manufacture​ would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters of the 2022 awards for their support.

'Outstanding number of entries'​

Judge Caroline Milton, head of manufacturing at Menzies, which is headline sponsor of the FMEAs 2022, said: "This year has seen an outstanding number of entrants to the FMEAs and the quality of the submissions has been remarkable. ​

"In any given year, the level of effort put into these submissions and the demonstration of such a commendable range of activities is impressive. However, for these businesses to have navigated the challenges of both Brexit and COVID is extraordinary, not to mention dealing with the ongoing challenges around logistics and supply chain management. ​

"Being part of the judging panel has been an honour, giving me further insight into the sector. I very much look forward to the awards."​