THE winners of the FPA (Foodservice Packaging Association) Awards have been announced at a ceremony in Brighton.
The event began with the awards exhibition, where shortlisted entrants showcased their product innovations to attendees. This was followed by pre-dinner cocktails at the Grand Hotel before the formal awards ceremony and dinner – hosted by actor and comedian Matt Lucas.
The awards celebrate excellence in the foodservice packaging sector, with achievements across sustainability, product innovation, distribution, manufacturing, and individual talent recognised.
The Environmental Sustainability Award, sponsored by South Staffordshire Paper Products, was awarded to Northwood Hygiene Products for its Green Loop by Northwood initiative – described as a ‘compelling example’ of circularity in action. Go-Pak’s Go-Recycle initiative was highly commended.
In the Foodservice Caterer Operator Award category, sponsored by NCCO International, Compass Group was the winner, with Sodexo recognised as runner-up.
The Foodservice Retail Operator Award, sponsored by ProAmpac, went to Pret, with Five Guys taking runner-up.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Award, sponsored by Go-Pak, went to Booker for Serving our Communities and Planet. Sysco GB was highly commended for its Night Club programme supporting night-shift colleagues.
In the Product Innovation – Front of House category, sponsored by Bidfood, eGreen won for its Atera Reusable Cup and Saucer, reflecting the growing importance of reuse solutions. Highly commended recognition went to Huhtamaki for its Wagyu Burger Box for Burger King, and to Xampla for its Plastic-Free Morro Coated Box.
The Product Innovation – Back of House Award, also sponsored by Bidfood, was jointly awarded to NCCO for its DateCodeGenie Mini Handheld Labelling System and Ramon Hygiene Products for Trinity Socket Mops.
The Manufacturer Award, sponsored by Bunzl Catering Supplies, saw the winning slot going to Amipak, with Sabert as runner-up
Winner of the Food & Drink Manufacturer Award, sponsored by Seda, was Greencore with 2 Sisters Food Group named runner-up.
The Regional Distributor Award, sponsored by Amipak, was won by Tri-Star, with Yate Supplies as runner-up.
Bunzl Catering Supplies triumphed in the National Distributor Award category, sponsored by Cromwell Polythene, with Alliance named runner-up.
The Marketing Campaign Award, sponsored by Packaging Innovations & Empack, went to Go-Pak for its Go-Recycle campaign, with Notpla’s Sustainability Legends campaign highly commended.
The Designer Award, sponsored by Faerch, was presented to August Ford and Tom Postlethwaite of Notpla, with EP Design House – EP Group highly commended.
Valeria Potsinok of Bidfood took home The Apprentice Award, sponsored by Cofresco, with her Bidfood colleague Ria Merchant scooping the runner-up spot.
The Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by The Socius Network, went to Joy French from Duni, recognising her ‘exceptional’ behind-the-scenes contribution. Darren Tickle of KP was runner-up.
The Rising Star Award, sponsored by AV International Solutions, was awarded to Alex Curran (KP), with Ollie Wright (Bidfood)Â named runner-up.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the FPA Executive Chair’s Award to Martin Kersh, former FPA executive director and now joint CEO of the Packaging Federation, recognising his outstanding service and long-standing contribution to the association during his 20+ year tenure.
Speaking after the event, Mike Revell, FPA executive chair, said, “These awards demonstrate the breadth of talent, innovation and leadership within our sector. From environmental sustainability and product innovation to distribution excellence and emerging talent, the calibre of entries this year was exceptional.
“Given the ongoing challenges the packaging sector is currently facing, celebrating excellence and achievement is more important than ever. It’s also a great opportunity to bring the industry together to catch up, share experiences and make new connections.”
