THE Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) has announced the shortlist for the FPA 2025 Rising Star Award.
Each year the organisation celebrates talented young people within the foodservice packaging industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on outstanding young professionals, the award also seeks to encourage and inspire future talent.
The shortlisted finalists are:
Abigail Lees – Vegware: Through proactive outreach and building strong customer relationships, Abigail developed a network of composting partners, successfully onboarding numerous new customers. She is responsible for securing and managing key accounts, such as ACC Liverpool, where almost a tonne of compostable packaging was diverted from recent concerts. Abigail also developed ‘Bin Pong’, a game designed to educate employees at customer sites about proper waste disposal.
Akash Annadurai – Eximex UK: Transitioning from India to the UK, Akash navigated the cultural and academic shift to successfully graduate from a UK university. His professional FMCG journey highlighted an ability to adapt to a new and complex business environment. He has effectively bridged gaps in customer service and logistics, ensuring seamless operations in importing goods and managing intricate sea freight systems – also mastering complex warehouse logistics and customer systems.
Anthony Wilkins – H-Pack Packaging: Initially joining the company as office manager, Anthony took on the role of managing customer service, then earned his place as an account manager, bringing in VIP customers – including large national accounts. He now works with the procurement and productions planning teams and more recently has started overseeing the warehouse. Anthony’s understanding of H-Pack’s sales and supply chain, outstanding work ethic, and ability to rise to any challenge with commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism is exemplary.
Graeme Crompton – Bidfood: Graeme has been instrumental in driving the Catering Supplies category – initially supporting 24 Bidfood depots. He also launched an own-brand chemical range, increasing turnover from just under £1 million to £2.5 million in just over two years. Graeme has managed product ranges and customer relationships, while delivering double-digit volume growth. Even when managing several complex tenders and re-tenders, Graeme’s professional approach and commitment to his role, Bidfood’s customers, and the teams he supports, is testament to his exceptional talents.
Imelda Markey – Go-Pak UK: Imelda joined Go-Pak UK in August 2022 with a background in food sales. Despite having minimal experience in packaging, Imelda swiftly mastered the company’s product range and demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adapt and excel. In 2024, Imelda secured a partnership with one of the largest food service providers in the world. This partnership is poised to become one of Go-Pak’s largest accounts in Ireland, underscoring Imelda’s significant impact on the business.
Maria Clark – Booker: Joining Booker in June 2022 as sustainability manager responsible for the company’s planet agenda, Maria recognised the catering disposables challenges faced in the foodservice industry. She was a key member of the team created to lead a transformative own brand packaging project – a core challenge of which was ensuring all packaging claims were transparent, accurate, and free from greenwashing. Maria worked with a variety of teams including technical, category and own brand to evaluate materials, assess any environmental impact, and validate claims.
Commenting on this year’s Rising Star Award nominations, FPA interim chair Anna Turner said, “The future of the foodservice packaging industry lies in the hands of the next generation, and the FPA is proud to celebrate innovation, dedication, and impact through the Rising Star Award. In addition to highlighting the outstanding contributions of these young leaders, our hope is that the Award inspires others to emulate them.
“The FPA is committed to fostering emerging talent to help ensure a bright future for our industry. As such we will be contributing towards the costs incurred by the winner when studying for a BSc. packaging degree apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University.”
The 2025 FPA Rising Star Award will be presented during the 2025 FPA Award celebration and dinner at the Grand Hotel, Brighton on Thursday 13 March 2025. For ticket enquiries, email Lisa McGowan, FPA administrator at lisa@foodservicepackaging.org.uk
