SAVE THE DATE - 2025

JW MARRIOTT GROSVENOR HOUSE 

Friday 26th SEPTEMBER

PREVIOUS WINNERS
HALL OF FAME

A look back at all our previous Fresh Award winners.

2023 winners hall of fame


congratulations to all our 2023 winners!

lifetime achievement aWARD

2023 winner:

Martin Hudson

Judges comment:

“Martin is a strong leader whose strategic thinking and versatile approach in a rapidly changing world has had a hugely positive influence on both the business and people that he has guided to the forefront of the horticulture industry"

FRESH PRODUCE BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR

Judges comment:

The strategic aspirations and commitment that Flamingo has demonstrated to key corporate, environmental and social principles go well beyond the ordinary. Flamingo continues to be a pioneer in developing resilience for the horticultural sector by considering all impacts and scenarios to build a sustainable future for all.”

2023 winner:

FLAMINGO GROUP

rising star of the year

2023 winner:

RAVITEJA BURUGU WOOTZANO

Judges comment:

A true innovator, Ravi has made some incredible achievements at such a young age. His initiative, leadership and resilience will stand him in good stead to reach new heights"

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

EMMA DAWES - DRISCOLL'S

Judges comment:

"Emma evidently represented the core values of Berry Gardens and is leading her department flawlessly into the new world of Driscoll’s."

BEST PLACE TO WORK

2023 winner:

BLUE SKIES

Judges comment:

Blue Skies has successfully and admirably created an open, nurturing culture that fundamentally takes care of its most important asset; its people.”

SUSTAINABILITY EXCELLENCE - ETHICAL AWARD

2023 winner:

BLUE SKIES

Judges comment:

Blue Skies has gone above and beyond in its approach to sustainability. Its Foundation sincerely recognises the importance of grower communities as the lynchpin to the future of the produce supply chain"

SUSTAINABILITY EXCELLENCE - SUPPLY CHAIN AWARD

2023 winner:

CLARIFRUIT

Judges comment:

Clarifruit’s solution stands out as a valuable tool that enhances efficiency, reduces waste, and improves overall supply chain management in the fresh produce industry.”

SUSTAINABILITY EXCELLENCE - CLIMATE AWARD

2023 winner:

GROWUP FARMS

Judges comment:

“The GrowUp team has worked ambitiously over the last 10 years; making great progress to produce quality food without harming the environment

AGRITECH EXCELLENCE AWARD

2023 winner:

SONY

Judges comment:

This new solution from Sony demonstrates huge potential to drive agritech innovation, and thereby support the longevity of food production in the UK and worldwide.”

INNOVATION  EXCELLENCE AWARD

2023 winner:

G's GROWERS

Judges comment:

“A proactive and innovative approach to joining the dots with agriculture 4.0 technologies in order to deliver a best-in-class solution involving specialists in artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering and agronomy"

WHOLESALE FRUIT &VEG SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

FRESH DIRECT

judges' commentS:

Fresh Direct has stood tall during unprecedented challenges with its unwavering support and crucial lines of communication for growers, customers and employees alike.

WHOLESALE FLORAL/PLANT SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

THE HORTI HOUSE

judges' commentS:

The Horti House is shaking up the wholesale market with a huge focus on British and peat-free houseplants, using its expertise in production, sourcing and direct-to-consumer fulfilment.”

SUPERMARKET FLORAL/PLANT SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

FLAMINGO HORTICULTURE

judges' commentS:

A commendable supply chain concept that is enabling the business to reinvest in quality for customers, and share best practice among global partners, all the while reducing its carbon footprint..”

SUPERMARKET FRUIT & VEG SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

AC GOATHAM

judges' commentS:

AC Goatham’s clear and noble vision for the future will go a long way to strengthen the security of British topfruit supply for supermarkets and shoppers

UK GROWER OF
THE YEAR

2023 winner:

FRESHGRO

JUDGES commentS:

Freshgro embarked on an ambitious environmental action plan and deserves to be commended for its hard work to reduce carbon emissions in every aspect of its carrot-growing operation.”

INTERNATIONAL GROWER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

BELORTA

JUDGES commentS:

BelOrta growers clearly demonstrate a long commitment to growing healthy and tasty produce in a sustainable way, while cleverly marketing their offer to consumers in a fun and attractive manner to drive consumption.”

TEAM OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

MOREPEOPLE

JUDGES commentS:

The team’s dedication to building industry relationships and fostering a supportive work environment so everyone can succeed is truly deserving of this award.”

FOODSERVICE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

MARK MURPHY EDINBURGH

JUDGES commentS:

At a time when sustainability remains top of mind, this is a foodservice business that has truly embraced the challenge to learn and improve, while building fantastic relationships with its local community.”

BUSINESS SERVICE PARTNER

2023 winner:

SMURFIT KAPPA

JUDGES commentS:

The team went above and beyond to provide their produce customers with bespoke automated packaging machinery solutions at a time of great pressures.”

HR INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

DOLE UK

JUDGES commentS:

A successful and bold initiative that is encouraging employees to come to work feeling comfortable, confident, included and valued.”

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN

2023 winner:

RED TRACTOR

JUDGES commentS:

An inspiring example of how a relatively small budget need not be a barrier to significant impact, provided your campaign is clear and single minded about its objective.”

MULTIPLE FRUIT &VEG RETAILER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

ALDI

Voters commentS:

“Exceptional value for money without forfeiting quality."
“Aldi’s fruit and vegetables stay fresher for longer.”
“Fabulous choice of produce with ever-improving quality, and great service.”

MULTIPLE FLORAL RETAILER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

MARKS & SPENCER

voters commentS:

““The best range of flowers for any occasion.”

 “M&S is always my go-to shop for fresh flowers.”

“Great shelf-life, quality, choice and value.”

“Beautiful arrangements across the seasons.”

CONVENIENCE RETAILER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

CO-OP

voters commentS:

“Co-op produce is of a high standard.”

“Always a friendly service for customers; Co-op staff are helpful and polite.”

 “Well-stocked, clean shops.”

ONLINE FRUIT & VEG RETAILER OF THE YEAR

2023 winner:

ASDA

voters commentS:

"Each delivery is consistently fresh – this service has completely changed my mind about Asda.” 

“Kudos to Asda for setting the gold standard in online grocery shopping!”

“Highly recommended.”

2023 guest list

look back at the 2023 awardS ILLUSTRIOUS guest list.

Click Below to view our guest list fip book.

GUEST LIST BOOK