The UK fresh produce industry celebrated its top achievers in spectacular fashion at the 2017 FreshAwards, organised by the Fresh Produce Consortium with major sponsor Prophet.
“The Fresh Awards are the ultimate accolade from the UK fresh produce industry to its very best. Our industry should be proud of its high standards of excellence, strong leadership, innovation and business acumen showcased by this year’s winners and finalists,” said Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium. “All the winners and finalists deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements.”
Over five hundred people attended the gala evening which was hosted by British comedian, actor and broadcaster Hugh Dennis at the Intercontinental Park Lane on Thursday 8 June 2017.
On the night the highest accolades were awarded to:
Greenyard Flowers - Fresh Produce Business of the Year, sponsored by Polymer Logistics
“Greenyard Flowers is a paragon for our industry and a world leading floral supplier. The judges highly commended this forward thinking sustainable and efficient business which has transformed British daffodil production.”
Leon Aichen of AG Thames Group - Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Prophet
“Leon Aichen is an inspiration, a true gentleman and his reputation for integrity, honesty and loyalty, with a focus on the welfare of others around him, make him one of the most admired and well respected individuals in the industry.”
The winners of the individual 2017 FreshAwards were:
Individual Excellence
- Nick Finbow of Perishable Movements Ltd - Manager of the Year, sponsored by Total Produce UK: “A true self-starter, Nick has seized opportunities to grow the business in a changing global environment.”
- Dickense Olwage of Morgan Cargo - Young Person of the Year, sponsored by PP Pooling Partners: “Congratulations to Dickense for his inspirational endeavour in a challenging environment.”
Supply Chain Excellence
- Total Produce UK - Foodservice Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Perishable Movements Ltd: “For coordinating a customer focused network of local depots.”
- George Carruthers & Sons - Wholesale Supplier of the Year, sponsored by New Spitalfields Market: “Strategic investment by this Scottish wholesaler has secured award-winning innovative expansion.”
- Blue Skies - Supermarket Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Perishable Movements International: “Congratulations to Blue Skies for staying true to its values and delivering a sustainable ethical business model in a challenging market.”
- Greenyard Flowers - Floral Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Smurfitt Kappa: “For a holistic transformation of British daffodil production.”
Retail Excellence
- Greens of Highgate- Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by CHEP: “For its outstanding entrepreneurial spirit and significant personal investment.”
Over 8,000 consumers voted online during January to April 2017 for the winners of the Convenience Retailer, Multiple Retailer and Multiple Floral Retailer awards.
- Aldi - Multiple Retailer of the Year, sponsored by IFCO: Customer’s comment: “Everything about Aldi’s fruit and veg is the best!”
- Asda - Multiple Floral Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Zyon UK: Customer’s comment: “Asda is the one-stop shop, for quality, variety and value for money.”
- Iceland - Convenience Retailer of the Year, sponsored by CHEP: Customer’s comment: “I love shopping at Iceland – great fresh produce.”
Business Excellence
- SH Pratt Group - Best Place to Work, sponsored by Freeths: “For developing unique leadership and coaching programme in a family environment.”
- Albert Bartlett - Marketing Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Morgan Cargo: “Congratulations to Albert Bartlett for delivering a high impact promotion with a small budget.”
- G’s Fresh Mushrooms - CSR Excellence, sponsored by Greenyard Fresh UK: “This is a truly aspirational project transforming the biodiversity of this site.”
- A C Goatham - Innovation of the Year, sponsored by Fowler Welch: “We commend A C Goatham’s tremendous commitment and investment in reviving the fortunes of British Conference pears.”
For more information:
Siân Thomas
FPC Fresh Produce Consortium
Tel: +44 (0)1733 405792
Mob: +44 (0)7584 995903
