“All these winners and finalists are trailblazers for the industry, setting a high standard of excellence,” commented Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium. “Our industry should be proud of their achievements which are showcased by the FreshAwards.”
Over five hundred people attend the gala evening which was hosted by Craig Charles, well known British actor, comedian, author, poet, presenter and DJ, at the Intercontinental Park Lane on Thursday 9 June 2016.
On the night the highest accolades were awarded to:
Blue Skies - Fresh Produce Business of the Year, sponsored by It’sFresh!
“Blue Skies is a phenomenal business with rare vision which is truly inspirational to the UK fresh produce industry.”
Anthony Pile of Blue Skies - Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Florette
“A true inspiration and visionary, Anthony Pile is an industry ‘great’ and a highly honourable winner.”
The winners of the individual 2016 FreshAwards are:
Individual Excellence – sponsored by the National Skills Academy
- Christine Hall of Gilbert Thompson Produce - Manager of the Year: “Never underestimate how much it takes to achieve buy-in from managers – congratulations to Christine for her commitment in achieving an exceptional career change.”
- Jack Hanson of Fountain Fresh Produce - Young Person of the Year: “We applaud Jack for his courageous entrepreneurship in challenging times.”
- North Down Group- Foodservice Supplier of the Year, sponsored by AC Goatham & Son: “Congratulations to North Down Group for a strategic and fundamental re-design delivering innovation and quality products.”
- Sunnyfield Veg Ltd - Wholesale Supplier of the Year, sponsored by New Spitalfields Market: “This London based wholesaler is adding a new dimension, offering British growers a unique opportunity to export globally.”
- Pratt’s Bananas - Supermarket Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Perishable Movements International: “Hats off to Pratt’s for developing the single largest state-of-the-art ripening centre in the UK and investing in quality management systems.”
- GT Flowers - Floral Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Fowler Welch: “For providing a bespoke delivery and online service, enabling customers to place orders – any time, any place.”
Retail Excellence
Over 8,000 consumers voted online for the winners of the Convenience Retailer, Multiple Retailer and Multiple Floral Retailer awards.
- Aldi - Multiple Retailer of the Year, sponsored by IFCO, and Floral Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Zyon UK: “Most definitely the best for quality and value for money.”
- Iceland - Convenience Retailer of the Year, sponsored by CHEP: “Great value for money….best location….top for customer service.”
The Fruit Market - Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by CHEP: “A truly independent High Street retailer with impressive volume of sales.”
Business Excellence
- Blue Skies - Best Place to Work, sponsored by Freeths: “Blue Skies has an integral commitment to the values, performance and achievements of its people.”
- Aldi - Marketing Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Prophet: “For championing GB’s Olympic team and encouraging healthy eating – a podium performance.”
- Blue Skies - CSR Excellence, sponsored by Univeg: “For its unique symbiotic philosophy of cultural diversity, mutual respect and drive for profit.”
- Total Produce Bristol - Innovation of the Year, sponsored by NFT Distribution: “For embracing social media and pop culture to engage customers.”