Judging Process

All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges in a variety of specialist fields across food and drink. The entries will be assessed against a list of criteria and ranked by how they best answer the questions in the entry submission, including evidence provided to back up any claims.

Following this, panel discussions will be held over a Teams call to discuss the entries and determine the finalists.

Finalists for all categories will enter a second stage, which will comprise an online 'interview'. This will be led by questions from the judging panel and a winner will be selected thereafter. Please note interviews will be recorded and may be used at the event or for marketing purposes.

Judging Criteria »

Entry Information »

Our 2026 Judges

Alec Kyriakides // Independent Food Safety Consultant Alec Kyriakides Independent Food Safety Consultant
Alison Johnson // Food Forensics Alison Johnson Food Forensics
Amy Wilkinson // Fearless Foodies Amy Wilkinson Fearless Foodies
Andrew Hewston // Bumble Hole Foods Andrew Hewston Bumble Hole Foods
Andy Richardson // European Food & Farming Partnerships & Frive Andy Richardson European Food & Farming Partnerships & Frive
Ash Stretton // Marks & Spencer Ash Stretton Marks & Spencer
Barbara Bray // Alo Solutions Ltd Barbara Bray Alo Solutions Ltd
Bethan Grylls // Food Manufacture Bethan Grylls Food Manufacture
Charlotte Langdon // Menzies LLP Charlotte Langdon Menzies LLP
Chris Gilbert-Wood // CGW Foodtech Ltd Chris Gilbert-Wood CGW Foodtech Ltd
Corrine Toyn // Chickpea Marketing Corrine Toyn Chickpea Marketing
Craig Leadley // Institute of Food Science & Technology Craig Leadley Institute of Food Science & Technology
David Moore // The Compleat Food Group David Moore The Compleat Food Group
Dr. David Lloyd // FoodSci Consulting Ltd Dr. David Lloyd FoodSci Consulting Ltd
Jon Poole // Step Change Development Jon Poole Step Change Development
Katie Satterthwaite // Food Safety Excellence Katie Satterthwaite Food Safety Excellence
Krisztian Nagy // Arla Foods Krisztian Nagy Arla Foods
Mark Field // Prof Consulting Group Ltd Mark Field Prof Consulting Group Ltd
Mathew Thewlis // Warburtons Mathew Thewlis Warburtons
Phil Wright // Menzies LLP Phil Wright Menzies LLP
Ramona Hazan // RAMONA'S Ramona Hazan RAMONA'S
Richard Singleton // Menzies LLP Richard Singleton Menzies LLP
Rod Addy // Provision Trade Federation Rod Addy Provision Trade Federation
Sarah Bradbury // Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) Sarah Bradbury Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD)
Tony Turner // Applied Manufacturing & Engineering Solutions Ltd. Tony Turner Applied Manufacturing & Engineering Solutions Ltd.
William Dodds // Food Manufacture William Dodds Food Manufacture

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