The finalists for this year’s prestigious Re:fresh Awards, which honours the outstanding achievers of the last 12 months in the UK fresh produce industry, have been unveiled by the Fresh Produce Journal.
Thewinners will be crowned at a glittering ceremony at London’s Intercontinental Hotel on 17 May, where chef and tv programme Saturday Kitchen star James Martin will host. Finalists have been selected in 12 categories, with anoverall trader of the year and lifetime achievement recipient being announced on the night.
The finalists are:
5 A DAY Supporter of the Year – Bolton Council; Fruit for the Office; Red Communications
Innovation of the Year – Fresca Group; Infosure; Morrisons
Marketing Campaign of the Year – Chilean & Peruvian Hass Avocados (Red); Scotty Brand; SA Avocados (Richmond Towers)
Wholesaler of the Year – Gilbert Thompson (Leeds); Premier Fruits; R&RW Bartlett; Sunnyfield Veg
Regional Foodservice Supplier of the Year – Allison Risebro; Cook’s Delights; FreshDrop
Packerand Processor of the Year (two separate winners to be named) – Blue Skies; Empire World Trade; Fenmarc; International Produce; Worldwide Fruit
Importer of the Year – DG Fruit; Dole Fresh UK; Finlays Horticulture Holdings; Scott Farms International
Retailer of the Year – Convenience – Blakemore; Budgens
Retailer of the Year – Independent – Abbey Parks; Bill’s Produce; The Naked Grocer
Retailer of the Year – Multiple – Asda; Morrisons
Young Person – Adam Hill (Fresh Inspirations); Chris Leadon (DG Fruit); Jason Ram (Dole Fresh UK).
Chairmanof the judges and Fresh Produce Consortium CEO Nigel Jenney said: 'We received a record number of entries this year and you raised the bar again and gave the judging panel a huge challenge in selecting finalists. Thank you for taking the time to enter this great competition, proving that despite tough market conditions, our industry is as vibrant and committed to succeed as ever. If you weren't successful this year please don’t be despondent – all the entries were amazing and the competition was reallytough. I look forward to seeing you at the conference and awards, whichis set to maintain its reputation as the 'must attend' event in the calendar.'
To book a place at the Re:fresh Awards visit www.refresh.uk.com, where you can also find details of the Re:fresh Conference.
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