Industry trailblazers celebrate at 2021 FreshAwards

25 Nov 2021

The UK fresh produce industry enjoyed a spectacular evening as it celebrated the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses at the 2021 FreshAwards on Friday 19 November.

“All FreshAwards winners and finalists are trailblazers for the industry, setting a high standard of excellence,” commented Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium. “The Fresh Awards are the ultimate accolade from the UK fresh produce industry. We’re delighted to recognise strong leadership, innovation and business acumen among this year’s finalists and winners.”

Around five hundred people attended the gala evening which was hosted by comedian and TV presenter Patrick Kielty, at the Pavilion at Old Billingsgate, London on Friday 19 November 2021.

On the night the highest accolades were awarded to:

• Denis Punter, Dole UK – Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Greencell

• Total Produce – Fresh Produce Business of the Year, sponsored by FPC

“Truly a stellar business, with great people and brands.”

This year FPC created two special awards to recognise and celebrate a business or individual who made a significant impact and demonstrated relentless dedication in the challenging circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic. Both of these awards were sponsored by CHEP:

• New Covent Garden Market - Hero Award – Business

• Ryann Parr, PML – Hero Award – Individual

The winners of the individual 2021 FreshAwards are:

Individual Excellence

• Lauren Jenner, Berry Gardens – Young Person of the Year, sponsored by IPP
• Richard Hoyte, PML – Manager of the Year, sponsored by New Covent Garden Market

Supply Chain Excellence

• Total Produce – Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Supplier of the Year, sponsored by New Spitalfields Market.
• MorePeople – Business Service Partner of the Year, sponsored by Total Produce.
• Delifresh – Foodservice Supplier of the Year, sponsored by PML.
• Compagnie Fruitière UK – Supermarket Fruit and Vegetable Supplier of the Year, sponsored by PML.
• Bridge Farm Group – Supermarket Floral/Plant Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Floral Trade Group.

Retail Excellence

Tom Brown Wholesale Florist – Wholesale Flower and Plant Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Prophet

Consumers and industry voted online during January to April for the winners of the following awards:

• Co-op – Convenience Retailer of the Year, sponsored by JAMPRO.
• Aldi – Multiple Fruit and Veg Retailer of the Year, sponsored by IFCO.
• M&S – Multiple Floral Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Bridge Farm Group.
• Tesco – Online Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland.

Business Excellence

• Branston – Marketing Campaign of the Year, sponsored by PML.
• G’s– Sustainability Excellence, sponsored by Graphic Packaging International.
• Jones Food Company – Innovation of the Year, sponsored by aptean.
• Blue Skies – Best Place to Work, sponsored by Freeths.