Twenty24 FPC Fresh Awards was given out at the FPC ceremony. The evening honored the people as well as the organisations that make the UK business thrive.

In the running for the Lifetime Achievement Award was Gary Marshall from Bevington Salads in the New Covent Garden Market. “Gary’s 45 years of career have helped shape the London retail and wholesale markets in a position of being a model who is strong and a leader” The organizers claim. “His contribution to New Covent Garden Market, not only as a businessperson, but also as chairman of the Covent Garden Tenants’ Association was transformative. whether he is driving projects for redevelopment or directing charitable initiatives Gary Marshall’s dedication and influence has been rewarded with the status of the industry’s heroes.”

This year’s Fresh Produce Business of the Year is claimed from BerryWorld Group. “BerryWorld’s determination to sustain sustainability, innovation as well as ethical methods has been extraordinary. From pioneering the use of 100 recycled plastic packaging to implementing solutions for water management, BerryWorld is paving the path for a more sustainable and more sustainable fresh food industry. The company’s ongoing efforts to improve their ethical and environmental standards demonstrate their leadership within this sector.”

Monumental Moments

One of the most significant moments of the evening was acknowledgment by New Covent Garden Market with the 50th Anniversary Award for its remarkable half century in service to the industry of fresh fruits and vegetables. If that weren’t enough Fresca marked a major anniversary with the 150th Anniversary Award to recognize the family-run company’s remarkable century and half-century of excellence in the delivery of high-quality, fresh products. These giants of the market have not just shaped the past but have also set the stage for the future.

The future of Fresh Produce

The prestigious Fruit & Vegetable Grower of the Year went to BerryWorld Group in partnership with Emery Soft Fruits, a family-owned farm known for its environmentally sustainable practices and innovative approaches towards berry production. Emery Soft Fruits’ dedication to biodiversity, water management and the reduction of carbon emissions demonstrates their total determination to protect the environment and ensuring that farming is sustainable in the future.

In the international world, the highly sought-after International Grower of the Year was awarded to Euro Fruits, India’s leading exporter of top table grapes to the UK as well as Europe. What makes Euro Fruits apart is its remarkable consistency and dependability and never losing any customer since it was founded back in 1992.

The success of the company is led by a committed and energetic team who work tirelessly to ensure that top-quality food can be delivered each season, every year.

Celebration of the power of innovation and sustainability

Technologies were at the forefront of the field, as Hall Hunter Partnership clinching the Technology Champion of the Year prize. With investments in AI and other renewable energy options the company is enhancing their operation. “Over the last three years Hall Hunter has invested millions of dollars into cutting-edge picking and packing equipment as well as their use of solar energy has enabled them to increase efficiency, but also establish a sustainable new benchmark in the agriculture sector. Their innovative approach illustrates the ways that technological advances can spur forward the pace of growth and ensure the sustainability of agriculture.”

It was awarded the Innovation Excellence Award was won by PES Technologies, a firm that is revolutionizing soil health analysis by using the use of smell to provide unimaginable biological information. The innovative device delivers live information to farmers using mobile phones, which allows them to make sustainable decision-making right on the spot. The judges praised this revolutionary product as a “global game changer” giving farmers vital information to make better, more profitable and environmentally sustainable farming practices. PES Technologies has effectively plugged one of the biggest gaps in the marketplace with its cost-effective, innovative technology that will make a huge impact on the global agricultural practices.

The Ethical Award was given the BerryWorld Group for their inspiring actions to promote women’s health and hygiene in the course of their South African growing operations. BerryWorld tackled a major obstacle in employment through ensuring every female employee is not barred from working due to absence of access to clean items.

The initiative also included the provision of sanitation items, bins as well as facilitating health seminars together along with Waitrose Foundation. The attention to women’s health not only increased attendance but has also increased the well-being and confidence of the women who work there and demonstrates their commitment to ethical business practices.

Concerning the environment, Albert Bartlett was honoured with the Supply Chain Award for their holistic strategy to sustain. The UK’s largest producer of potatoes, they’ve made strenuous efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of their business, and have tackled every aspect from cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing the biodiversity.

Albert Bartlett’s efforts in implementing efficient water management, increase recycling, and minimize waste have set a new norm for how businesses can make sustainability a part of the chain of supply. Through collaboration with experts and constantly trying to achieve net zero emissions they’re leading the way for sustainable and responsible food production.

A Celebration of the Nation’s Most Favorite Retailers

Retailers also dominated the spotlight and the prized Multiple Fruit and Veg Retailer of the Year award being awarded to Lidl. Famous for its outstanding value and high-quality, the Lidl’s dedication to providing high-quality produce at reasonable pricing has earned it high ratings from its the customers. Its huge variety of freshly-picked fruits and vegetables, along with its customer-oriented approach is what makes Lidl an outstanding choice.

Within the other categories, Sainsbury’s was crowned Multiple Floral Retailer of the Year. The retailer impressed by its wide selection of flowers and plants which consistently delight customers.

Co-op won the award of Convenience Retailer of the Year due to its dedication to its local communities as well as premium British food products. Tesco was awarded the title as the Online Fruit & Veg Retailer of the Year. The retailer was recognized by its seamless purchasing experience as well as its high-quality, fresh produce that lasts for a long time. Marks & Spencer reigned as the online Floral Retailer of the Year. famous for its exclusive high-quality bouquets.

Source: Fresh Talk Daily