The UK fresh produce industry celebrated another year of outstanding achievements with a stellar line-up of individuals and businesses at the 2019 Fresh Awards.
“Every year the standard of entries is high and 2019 is no different,” commented Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium. “The Fresh Awards showcase strong leadership, business acumen and innovation throughout the UK fresh produce industry. We’re delighted to celebrate with the winners and finalists who demonstrate what’s great about our industry.”
The gala evening was hosted by Graeme Swann, former English international cricketer, at the Pavilion at the Tower of London on Thursday 6 June 2019.
On the night the highest accolades were awarded to:
Tesco - Fresh Produce Business of the Year, sponsored by Polymer Logistics: ‘A re-energised business with fresh produce at its heart.’
Leon Eijgenraam of Zyon UK - Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Greencell: ‘A pioneer and innovator for over forty years in the flower and plant industry.’
Samantha Desforges of Berry Gardens - Manager of the Year, sponsored by FPC: ‘Sam’s delivery of business change strategy was inspirational, innovative and engaging.’
Jacob Kirwan of G’s Fresh - Young Person of the Year, sponsored by IPP: ‘Jacob’s breadth of knowledge, skill and commitment is making a real impact.’
Compagnie Fruitière UK - Best Place to Work, sponsored by Freeths: ‘An exemplary entry showing exceptional commitment to the development and wellbeing of its staff.’
Aldi UK - CSR Excellence, sponsored by Greenyard Fresh UK: ‘An impressive level of commitment and range of initiatives which is really making a difference.’
Albert Bartlett - Marketing Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Jampro: ‘Showcasing potatoes as a nutritious source of energy and part of a healthy eating lifestyle.’
Blue Skies - Innovation of the Year, sponsored by DS Smith: ‘Transporting frozen dairy free ice cream and fresh fruit ice lollies from Ghana is nothing short of a phenomenal achievement.’
Perishable Movements Ltd - Business Service Partner, sponsored by Airport Perishable Handling: ‘A superb business example of ‘customer first’, delivering above and beyond expectations.’
Bevington Salads - Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Supplier of the Year, sponsored by New Spitalfields Market: ‘Success built on dedication and customer focus.’
Tom Brown - Wholesale Floral/Plant Supplier of the Year, sponsored by New Spitalfields Market: ‘A rapidly expanding, progressive and innovative business competing with bigger players.’
Flamingo Produce - Supermarket Fruit and Vegetable Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Perishable Movements Ltd: ‘ Flamingo has re-engineered its focus in line with issues facing all growers and packers of fresh produce.’
Bridge Farm Group - Supermarket Floral/Plant Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Perishable Movements Ltd: ‘A new approach to UK production, putting the consumer first.’
Angus Soft Fruits - Foodservice Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Perishable Movements Ltd: ‘We applaud the effort made by Angus Soft Fruits to increase customers and improve efficiency.’
FPC carried out a poll among consumers and industry during January to April 2019 for the winners of the Convenience Retailer, Multiple Retailer and Multiple Floral Retailer awards:
Co-op - Convenience Retailer of the Year, sponsored by CHEP. Voter’s comment: ‘Price value, quality and range.’
Tesco - Multiple Fruit and Vegetable Retailer of the Year, sponsored by IFCO. Voter’s comment: ‘Always a good selection, excellent value.’
Aldi - Multiple Floral Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Zyon UK. Voter’s comment: ‘They last longer than any other.’
Tesco - Online Retailer of the Year, sponsored by CHEP. Voter’s comment: ‘Best delivery service.’
For more information:
Sian Thomas
Fresh Produce Consortium
Email: sian@freshproduce.org.uk