2026 Finalists

The standard of entries this year was nothing short of exceptional, making the judges' job tougher than ever. With so many outstanding submissions, narrowing down each category to a shortlist was no mean feat. We're thrilled to reveal the finalists for the 2026 awards below. Winners will be announced on Thursday 5 February 2026 at the London Hilton Bankside — we can't wait to celebrate with you!

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Business Leader of the Year

  • Thomas Robson-Kanu - Innate-Essence Limited: The Turmeric Co.
  • Ricky Flax - Delightful Food Group
  • George Hughes-Davies - Daily Dose
  • George Taylor - Frive
  • Anne-Frances Ball - Arla Foods


Collaboration and Partnership Award

  • Müller UK & Ireland + Myprotein (THG)
  • Greenyard + FareShare
  • Dawsongroup tcs + AAK BD Foods
  • Meat Business Women + Kepak
  • Pilgrim's Europe + PureTec
  • Kirsty's + Myprotein
  • QualityApp + Symprove
  • The Food Incubator + Chic P


Best Newcomer

  • Nimi Nosh
  • Hoxton Farms
  • Win-Win


Employer of the Year

  • Fudge Kitchen
  • Dunbia (UK)
  • Heck! Food Ltd.
  • Pilgrim's Europe


Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year

  • The Billington Group
  • Grounds for Good
  • Win-Win
  • Barfoots
  • Glebe Farm Foods


Factory Manager of the Year

  • Neil Sanderson - AG Barr plc
  • Mickey O'Neil - Daily Dose
  • Richard Collins - Arla Foods


Food Integrity Champion

  • The Turmeric Co.
  • Premier Foods PLC
  • Daily Dose


Future Talent Award

  • Matt Scholes - Hovis
  • Simeon Clark - The Compleat Food Group
  • Adam Atcha - Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
  • Heather Grealy - Pilgrim's Europe
  • Daniel Elford - Daily Dose Limited
  • Amirah Patel - Simply Doughnuts


Site Team of the Year

  • Furthergate Industrial Estate, Blackburn, Simply Doughnuts
  • Proper Cornish Ltd / Bodmin Cornwall, Proper Cornish Ltd


Health Hero Award

  • The Turmeric Co.
  • Heck! Food Ltd.
  • The Protein Ball Company
  • Kirsty's
  • Frive


Engineer of the Year

  • Martin Northover - Cranswick Convenience Foods, Milton Keynes
  • Bryn Bebbington - The Compleat Food Group
  • Daniel Elford - Daily Dose Limited


Outstanding Community Engagement

  • Cranswick Convenience Foods Milton Keynes
  • Finnebrogue
  • Heck! Food Ltd.
  • The Flava People
  • Brioche Pasquier


The Innovation Award

  • Win-Win
  • Blends Flavours & Colours LTD
  • The Flava People
  • MicroSalt plc
  • Pip Organic (Booost Trading Limited) - Pip Organic Apple Fizz


Manufacturer of the Year

  • Proper Cornish Ltd
  • Moo Free Chocolate
  • Denhay Farms Ltd
  • Blends Flavours & Colours LTD
  • Crust and Crumb Bakery
  • Pilgrim's Europe
  • Regal Food Products Group Plc
  • Foyle Food Group

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What our customers say...

We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as winners in three categories at this year’s Food Manufacture awards, especially taking home the coveted ‘Company of the Year’ title. This has only been achieved through the incredible efforts of our colleagues, and I would like to thank them for their support and commitment which has enabled us to continue to deliver outstanding service to our customers.

Adam Couch Chief Executive Officer Cranswick plc

The Food Manufacture Excellence Awards is a superb event which recognises both large established businesses as well as those just starting out on their food manufacturing journey. I love how the awards bring everyone together, creating a great opportunity for collaboration and to strengthen your network.

Caroline Milton Partner Menzies

I’m really proud that together, all our hard work has been recognised by this award, which was delivered through focusing on developing people, who are our major asset.

Paul Thomas Head of Operations Muller

This is a great opportunity for brand awareness and to celebrate and recognise the superb talent we have in the UK food manufacturing industry. As sponsors of the event communication has been fantastic from day one. This is an event we would definitely recommend being involved in.

Sarah Spearing Food & Beverage Business Development Manager NIRAS

To win two awards at such a high-profile industry event was amazing. There were some top companies there as finalists, so we were proud just to be taking part; really gratifying, and testament to all the hard work put in by the whole Simply Doughnuts team.

Shiraz Master Managing director Simply Doughnuts