LONDON, UK – The UK food industry gathered on Thursday, June 26th, at the distinguished 5-star Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London, for the highly anticipated 2025 Food Management Today Food Industry Awards ceremony. The annual event serves as a significant platform to celebrate and honour outstanding achievements in innovation, service, and product development across 16 diverse categories within the sector.
Hosted by the accomplished duo of Gary Wilmot and Graham Yandell MBE, the ceremony highlighted the dynamism and dedication present in the nation’s food landscape, paying tribute to companies and individuals pushing the boundaries of quality and excellence.
Industry Leadership Honoured
A pivotal moment of the evening was the presentation of the coveted Food Industry Champion Award. This year, the prestigious honour was bestowed upon Bob Carnell, the Chief Executive Officer of ABP UK. Carnell was recognised for his significant and enduring contribution to both the wider food industry and, specifically, the meat sector. His leadership and impact were celebrated as a testament to the dedication required to drive progress and maintain high standards in a competitive global market.
Celebrating Product and Innovation Excellence
The awards ceremony saw a variety of companies recognised for their exceptional products and innovative approaches across the 16 categories. Notably, the meat industry featured prominently among the winners, reflecting its vital role in the UK’s food sector.
Porky Whites secured the award for Best Free From Product for their Cumberland Pork Swirl Premium Sausage, demonstrating excellence in catering to specific dietary needs without compromising on taste or quality. The recognition underscores the growing importance of the “free from” market segment and the industry’s response to evolving consumer demands.
The Best Ready to Eat Product award was presented to The Compleat Food Group for their popular Wall’s Jumbo Sausage Roll. This win highlights the success of convenient, high-quality food options that meet the pace of modern life.
ABP Linden achieved dual recognition, winning in two significant categories. Their collaboration resulted in the award for Best New Product Development for the M&S Collection Blackthorn Salt Dry-Aged King Arthur Sirloin Beef Joint, a product lauded for its premium quality and innovative processing. ABP Linden also took home the award for Best Frozen Product for the Frozen M&S Collection Beef Wellington, showcasing their capability in delivering high-quality frozen convenience items.
Recognising Protein Excellence
Excellence in specific protein categories was also a key focus. Dunbia was awarded Best Red Meat Product for the Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Slow Cooked Hickory Smoked BBQ Beef Brisket. This award acknowledges the skill involved in preparing premium red meat products that offer both flavour and convenience.
Pilgrim’s Europe received the award for Best Poultry Product for their Waitrose No.1 Free Range Roast in bag Chicken. This win underscores the industry’s commitment to quality poultry products, including those with ethical sourcing credentials like free-range.
Food Manufacturer of the Year
A highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the Food Manufacturer of the Year. This prestigious title was awarded to Sofina Foods Europe, recognising their overall excellence in manufacturing processes, quality, innovation, and contribution to the industry over the past year. The award positions Sofina Foods Europe as a leading player in the UK’s food manufacturing landscape.
The Significance of the Awards
The 2025 Food Management Today Food Industry Awards provide a crucial benchmark for excellence within the UK food sector. They not only celebrate the hard work and innovation of individuals and companies but also shine a light on the trends and developments shaping the future of food production, processing, and retail. The event at the Royal Garden Hotel served as a vital networking opportunity and a moment for the industry to collectively acknowledge its achievements and look ahead to future challenges and opportunities.
The recognition received by the winners, from large manufacturers to specific product developers, underscores the diverse strengths of the UK food industry and its ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative products and services to consumers.
