Food Manufacture Excellence Awards entries shine, despite COVID-19 - FoodManufacture.co.uk

"My biggest impression was just the sheer quality of the submissions in a period where there's been such an upheaval, with COVID and everything that's been going on," says Eaton, who is also chairman of New England Seafood and executive chairman of Butcher's Pet Care.

"I was just so impressed that people had taken the time to capture the really good things they are doing and make their submissions."

"It was also really great to get together with the other judges. We all enjoy trying to find the differences and the magic. It's a really uplifting experience to see so many good things that are being done in the industry."

'Fantastic bigger company entries'

Eaton highlights in particular the significant number of larger firms entering the awards, which are sponsored by Dawn Foods and Fowler Welch this year. "This is the second year I have chaired the judges. Last year we had probably some slightly better smaller company entries. This year we had some fantastic bigger company entries. We had some smaller businesses that were really early in their development and very exciting prospects for the future, but probably a little bit early to judge their progress just yet."

Many of the entries highlighted initiatives underway to address vital issues such as sustainability and environmental impact, plus 'tremendous examples of community work', supporting vulnerable individuals during the pandemic, Eaton says.

He outlines further trends brought to the forefront by entrants, as well as the importance of encouraging training and development within the industry in this video.

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