Ali Capper, Sysco GB and Riverford were among the award winners at FPJ’s 2024 open-air summer festival 

Ali Capper, centre, receives Festival of Fresh 2024 Editor's Award

Ali Capper, centre, received the Editor’s Award

FPJ recognised outstanding achievement in the UK fruit and vegetable sector with the second edition of its Festival of Fresh Awards.

Awards were presented in six categories, including a new section added this year. The Innovation Award recognises excellence in technology, varietal development, or another forward-thinking aspects of the fresh produce business.

Winners were carefully chosen by FPJ’s editorial team for standout performance in the UK market over the past 12 months.

The awards were presented at Festival of Fresh 2024 which was hosted by Nationwide Produce at Evesham United Football Club on 13 June.

The six winners for 2024 were:

  • Retail Supplier of the Year: Albert Bartlett
  • Non-retail Supplier of the Year: Sysco GB
  • Marketing Magic Award: McCain Foods
  • Sustainable Champion Award: Riverford Organic Farmers
  • Editor’s Award: Ali Capper, British Apples and Pears
  • Innovation Award: B-hive Innovations

FPJ editor Fred Searle presented the awards together with Chris White, managing director of Fruitnet Media International. Searle said: “All of our winners this year have shown incredible dedication, dynamism and innovation to drive the UK fresh produce industry forward. It is an honour to recognise their respective efforts.”