Food & Drink Awards 2017 by AI Global Media

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Vegan Product Developer of the Year 2017 & Best Vegan Cheese Alternative: Mature Cheddar Style Cheese - UK Also in this issue...

Just Drinking Water Ltd- one of the purest mineral waters in the world- page 15 Plus much more... Innzone Ltd

Closson Chase

Scottish Grocersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Federation Reiser UK Limited

JBT Corporation Mrs Gills Kitchen

The Better Bean Company

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Trade Monthly Food & Drink Awards 2017

Contents 04

Bute Island Foods

06 Closson Chase

The Chough Bakery

The Wine Emporium Pty Ltd

Mrs Gillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen

Welcome to the 2017 Food and Drink Awards

The food and drink industry has such a pivotal role in our daily lives; and is a delicate process form the production and preparation all the way to the serving. Such a process involves a numerous amount of both individuals and businesses which can be overlooked.

This industry continues to rise towards daily success with its business confidence, product innovation and investment in automation, and so, it is only right that recognition is given to those involved.

Just Drinking Water Ltd

Snowbird foods

Scottish Grocersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Federation

The Better Bean Company

Meatsnacks Group Ltd

Reiser UK Limited

Flagship Europe

Newly Weds Foods

Anglo-Dal Ltd

Innzone Ltd

JBT Corporation

Dr Schar

Therefore, the 2017 Food & Drink Awards raises a glass to those whose devotion, innovative thinking, and tireless efforts have seen them achieve outstanding results. The extraordinary performance delivered by those in this industry, deserves to be both rewarded and recognised.

18 19

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Bute Island Foods

Vegan Product Developer of the Year 2017 & Best Vegan Cheese Alternative: Mature Cheddar Style Cheese - UK

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Trade Monthly Food & Drink Awards 2017

Bute Island Foods is a market leader in high quality vegan and dairy free cheese products. We invited Guy Crichton to tell us more about the innovative products his firm provides.

Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Bute Island Foods are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of vegan and dairy free cheese products. Since inception the firm and its team of dedicated staff have grown rapidly, and the company now works with major retailers in the UK for private label and own brand, with customers around the world. Alongside offering their own range of cheeses, which combine the taste and texture of real cheese with the added benefit of being dairy free, the firm also develops new products for large customers who require their own special recipes. Guy is keen to emphasise the firm’s focus on development and constant drive towards excellence. “New Product Development is one of our key areas of focus here at Bute Island Foods and it is amazing the advances that have been made throughout the Vegan market in the last 3-4 years and we are excited to be at the forefront of the Vegan cheese sector. We have a very passionate, dedicated and small NPD team who are determined to offer the best possible products and keen to work with clients to create something special. “From the very start we have adapted to each challenge with a positive and progressive approach involving the team and not putting anything off that can be sorted today. We try to stay one step ahead rather than just reacting to ensure our products are always ahead of the rest of the market.” Within the food market, Free From and Vegan products have become a very fast growing market, but the

challenge has been to produce products that still offer protein (Bute Island Foods use predominately Soya) but with the aim of having no allergens, instead of being exclusively dairy-free. Guy outlines the high standards the firm’s factory complies to and how these help the firm in its mission to provide the very best vegan cheese options. “Bute Island Foods work hard to ensure that our factory meets the highest possible standards of BRC and major retailer food safety rating’s. Keeping up with the latest updates as they become available, we are very proud of achieving these top ratings.”

“As we are based on the Isle of Bute it is not easy to find staff that have experience working within the food industry. Therefore, attitude is the essential ingredient and all team members need to show a willingness to improve, learn, progress and appreciate that they are a vital part of a great team. Thorough training is completed with all staff to ensure they understand the importance of quality and over time this becomes second nature.

“Ultimately, the shopping experience will continue to improve for the Free From consumer as this market continues to grow and we look forward to being part of it.”

“Fundamentally, we consider ourselves a family business and our interviews are based on attitude and a good team spirit. We have carried out blind taste competitions testing each other’s palette and remembering the importance in each and every crafted Sheese. We feel lucky to be able to live and work on this beautiful island and have a great team behind us.

“Overall, more efficient manufacturing processes have enabled us to increase production to meet the ever growing demand, but the people making Sheese remain the most important part of the artisan process. We encourage our team to think outside the box and be willing to use new ideas, because through this approach we can create more and more exciting products.”

Central to ensuring that their products are of the highest possible quality is staff, and therefore working with great people is of paramount importance, as Guy highlights.

Moving forward, the ever growing market is leading to greater demand for Bute Island Foods’ products; as such, Guy concludes by describing how the firm are working to adapt around this development. “Looking ahead, the demand for catering and convenience within the dairy free cheese market means we will be investing in more efficient systems to be able to supply our ranges in more interesting formats and sizes. We currently have several new products in the pipeline including Grated Parmesan Style and a new Blue Style with “mould” effect Sheese which we are looking forward to launching. “Ultimately, the shopping experience will continue to improve for the Free From consumer as this market continues to grow and we look forward to being part of it.”

Company: Bute Island Foods Ltd. Name: Guy Crichton Email: guy@buteisland.com Web Address: www.buteisland.com Address: The Creamery, Townhead, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, PA20 9JH Telephone: 01700 505357

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Wine Producer of the Year - Prince Edward County & Best Canadian Pinot Noir: 2014 Closson Chase Churchside Pinot Noir VQA PEC

Closson Chase Closson Chase is a quality-driven boutique winery offering premium wines at limited production using centuries-old European traditions alongside sustainable, innovative techniques to create world class wines using only the finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes. We profile the firm and explore the secrets behind its success. Established in 1998, Closson Chase comprises a single vineyard of 30 acres of south facing land with limestone-rich soil under vine located in Prince Edward County, Ontario’s most northern appellation located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario. Planted to a high density, yields are controlled at a rate of two tonnes per acre. The vineyard draws on the expertise of Winemaker Keith Tyers, who grew up in Kingston, where he developed a keen interest in wine and food. A move to Toronto fuelled his passion for wine and led him to take the International Sommelier Guild program at Humber College. After a few years as part of the big city restaurant scene, Keith decided he wanted to be closer to home and enjoy a quieter lifestyle. His journey took him to Prince Edward County where he settled on Closson Road with his wife Cassandra to raise their young family. Since then he has trained under Founder Deborah Paskus, who developed the winery, and replaced her as Head Winemaker in 2015. Keith wants to capture the essence of what Mother Nature grows in a bottle, and this is his guiding philosophy for producing wine. In other words, he wants to use what grows above the ground to showcase what happens in the ground. Central to the winery’s legacy is the Closson Chase label. Inspired by Prince Edward County’s maritime tradition, the Closson Chase label makes reference to international signal flags, incorporating an origi-

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nal painting for Closson Chase by master painter and printmaker David Blackwood. As the foundation of his painting, Blackwood used the red, white and blue of the maritime representing ‘C’ – affirmative – adjusting the blue to closely match that of the United Empire Loyalists who first settled the County at the eastern end of Lake Ontario. It is a rich colour still evident in the blue and white houses that dominate the countryside. The red may be translated appropriately as an expression of life and the animating qualities of wine. In the lower left hand side of Blackwood’s painting, the letter ‘C’ and its watery reflection echo the County’s island landscape encompassed by water. Blackwood’s elegant work graces the label of every bottle of wine produced by Closson Chase, and moving forward this will remain the establishment’s focus as it seeks to continue to offer the very best wines to its drinkers. It has always been an aim of the firm to create special moments where people can come together and enjoy what they have created. To support this goal, Closson Chase hosts monthly Sunday Night Supper Clubs between June and September. At the Supper Club, every course is paired with well-aged wines from the Closson Chase cellars. While participants are enjoying the wine, they learn about the vineyard, how the wines are made and why they are best paired with certain dishes. The goal is get wine enthusiasts excited about creating new pairings at home and provide

He will continue to use age old techniques and incorporate his extra knowledge to make the best expression of the local terroir that he can; Keith has always wanted to be a teacher of wine, and he looks to continue this going forward.

an intimate venue to share wine stories with fellow wine lovers. Looking to the future, Keith wants to make Closson Chase wines even better, surpassing the high level of excellence that the winery has already achieved. The wines will still be barrel fermented and barrel aged, whilst Keith maintains his strong commitment to the stewardship of the land. He will continue to use age old techniques and incorporate his extra knowledge to make the best expression of the local terroir that he can; Keith has always wanted to be a teacher of wine, and he looks to continue this going forward.

Company: Closson Chase Email: info@clossonchase.com Website: www.clossonchase.com Phone: 888.201.2300 Fax: 613.399.1618 Address: 629 Closson Rd., Hillier, Prince Edward County, ON K0K 2J0 Canada

The Chough Bakery

Best Cornish Pasty Wholesaler - South UK The Chough Bakery is a specialist Bakery dedicated to creating a range of delectable foodstuffs including the official ‘Worlds Best Cornish Pasty’. We caught up with Managing Director Jon James to find out more. Company: The Chough Bakery (Padstow) Ltd Name: Jon James, Managing Director Email: jon@thechoughbakery.co.uk Web Address: thechoughbakery.co.uk or cornishpasty.com Address: Trecerus Industrial Estate, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8RW Telephone: 01841 533361

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Drawing on over 30 years of history, The Chough Bakery has grown from being a small retail bakery shop to become a leading Cornish Producer with a growing wholesale customer base, with its products being available throughout the UK. Jon discusses the firm’s growth and how it works to ensure that its clients receive the very highest standard of service. “Traditional craft baking techniques remain at the heart of the operation, our strength is that we are a producer of quality, and the finest artisan bakery goods, second to none. Our wholesale customer base now consists of more than 170 direct wholesale customers, with many more taking bread products from our wholesale distributors. “Fundamentally, whether we are dealing with a small local corner shop taking our award winning breads, a regional pub chain, or a celebrity chef for whom we develop and supply products to their specific requirements under exclusivity arrangements, our approach remains the same, because every customer is important to us.” Looking ahead, Jon is optimistic for a bright and prosperous future as the firm seeks to build upon its current success and grow even further. “In growing as we have, 2017 will primarily be a year of consolidating our growth, creating a springboard for 2018. However, we are not looking to rest on our laurels, and as such there is still lots going on. Our original retail shop at the quayside in Padstow is being completely re-modelled, and we will introduce non-bakery products to our retail offering for the first time as the ‘Chough’ brand will broaden its base. We will also introduce a new type of retail outlet in April, which will provide us with many exciting opportunities.”

Trade Monthly Food & Drink Awards 2017

Best Alternative Snacking Company - UK

Best Global Food Ingredients Provider - UK

Meatsnacks Group Ltd supply all the major supermarkets, convenience stores, wholesalers and online retailers with meat based snacks. We invited Managing Director James Newitt to talk us through the firm and its delicious products.

Newly Weds Foods is a leading privately owned global food ingredients business with over 85 years’ experience. We invited Marketing Director Charlotte Baird to tell us more.

The Meatsnacks Group was formed in 2015 with the merger of Cruga Ltd, the UK and Europe’s market leader in premium beef biltong, and The Jerky Group the UK’s and Europe’s market leader in premium beef jerky. James discusses the firm’s history in more detail and outlines how it has always strived for excellence since inception. “The Jerky Group was founded in 2000, and its brands include Wild West, which is the UK’s most popular beef jerky and Europe’s longest established. The Jerky Group’s production facility has been in Forres, in the Highlands of Scotland since 2012. The company now employs 110 staff and has a turnover of £12m. “Since the business began in 2000, we always had the desire to manufacture our own beef jerky in the UK, using domestic beef with a British and Irish provenance, and to remove unnecessary preservatives and additives, including added MSG. As such, in 2012, we invested in our own jerky facility in the Highlands of Scotland, supported by the Scottish Government, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and we began manufacturing the Wild West Beef Jerky and Texas Joe’s Beef Jerky and other own label brands in March of 2013. We produce own label jerky for Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Lidl.”

Ultimately, the trend for protein based, heathy snacks from real food ingredients is really driving the uptake of jerky and biltong in the UK market, and as such James is keen to emphasise the group’s focus on creating innovate new products, including a salmon jerky which is due to launch later this year. “The Meatsnacks Group will be launching a salmon jerky in 2017 and have taken on a dedicated factory in Grantown on Spey in the Highlands of Scotland. The aim with this product is to bring fish protein to the market to complement the current jerky range available to consumers. “Overall, we are really excited to be adding salmon jerky to our portfolio and we think it is the perfect addition to our Wild West Deli range. We have been looking to produce the product since 2012 when we perfected the recipe and what better place than Grantown on Spey, the home of salmon fishing. The acquisition offers us a great opportunity to continue to diversify our offering and tap into a wider market.”

Company: Meatsnacks Group Ltd Name: James Newitt Managing Director Email: snacks@meatsnacksgroup.com Web Address: www.meatsnacksgroup.com Address: Tilers Road, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MK11 3LH Telephone: 01908 562376

Newly Weds Foods was founded in Chicago in 1932 as a baking company by Paul M. Angell, the father of the current owner Charles T. Angell. The business diversified into food coatings when the frozen food industry gained momentum in the 1950s. The business has grown consistently since then both organically and through acquisition. It moved into the seasonings arena in the 1980s and has expanded internationally over the past three decades. Today the name Newly Weds Foods, along with the products and services we provide to the global food industry, are synonymous worldwide with the most innovative food ingredient systems offered in the marketplace. Globally there are 26 manufacturing locations supporting food processing and food service customers in over 80 countries. In an ever evolving and dynamic industry, the company provides a complete portfolio of food coatings, seasonings and functional ingredients plus a full range of value-added services to meet customers’ diverse needs, as Charlotte emphasises. “Newly Weds Foods develop and manufacture bespoke ingredient solutions to deliver the attributes and functionality our customers require, This covers flavour, texture, appearance, processability, yield and stability. Our passion for food and serving our customers is central to everything we do. We couple our culinary creativity and intimate knowledge of food trends with industry leading manufacturing technology, product development

expertise and world class pilot plant capabilities to make Newly Weds Foods the ideal business partner. We possess the necessary skill, passion and knowledge to ensure that our customers’ expectations are consistently surpassed. “Our culinary focus and customer centric approach are key elements in how the company maintains its industry reputation as a leading supplier of customised savoury food ingredient solutions. Whether you are developing products for retail or foodservice, you will find our integrated resources are one of a kind.” Overall, Charlotte was keen to focus on the firm’s dedication to quality, and how this would remain its ongoing focus moving forward. “At Newly Weds Foods we find great satisfaction in everything we do and the comprehensive support services we provide to our customers. Our dedicated team of experts are passionate and knowledgeable about food and take pride in delivering next generation products that are not only inspiring new tastes, but are instrumental in helping our customers address the need to meet today’s ever more challenging consumer demands.”

Company: Newly Weds Foods Name: Dr Charlotte Baird, EMEA Marketing Director Address: Owl Lane, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 9AX Phone: +44(0)1924 280444 Email: sam@newlywedsfoods.co.uk Website: www.newlywedsfoods.co.uk

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Dr Schar

Best Global Specialist Food Provider Dr Schar is a global specialist in gluten free foods. We invited Becky Williams to tell us more. Company: Dr Schar (Schar gluten free) Name: Declan Lockett Email: becky.williams@drschaer.com Web Address: www.schaer.com/en-uk Address: Units 1-2, Station Court, 442 Stockport Rd, Warrington, WA4 2GW Telephone: 01925 865100

Founded as a joint project of local Innsbruck doctor Dr A. Schär and Bozen-based entrepreneur Untertrifaller in 1922, the company began to focus on the production on gluten-free foods in 1981 under the leadership of Ulrich Ladurner. This specialization laid the groundwork for becoming Europe’s market leader in gluten-free with the Schar brand. Today, Dr. Schar is on its way to become the leading food specialist for special dietary and nutritional needs in Europe and North America. The firm are now a global company, with subsidiaries based in every major market, from Austria to Australia. Becky discusses the firm’s focus on innovation and how this has been pivotal to its success so far. “The Dr. Schär story is a unique one. From its humble beginnings Dr. Schär is still a family run business today and its staff are proud to be a part of it, from new recruits to long standing individuals that feel like part of the furniture, everyone is well aware it is the firms’ mission to make the lives of those following a gluten-free life more enjoyable. Whether that be by producing great tasting gluten-free foods, or providing expert advice to our callers via the Dr. Schär’s in house dietitians. We are one big family with a clear goal in mind; innovative, quality products. “As such, here at Dr. Schar, we are committed to developing products that ensure our consumers health and balanced nutrition. We are increasingly developing products to meet society’s demands and support safe eating out environments for those on a gluten-free diet. By committing and fulfilling on our own high standards of quality, we ensure that our gluten-free products are high in quality, safe and natural.” Moving forward, Becky is optimistic about the future as the firm seeks to build upon its current success. “Since inception, Dr. Schär has developed into a company specialising in foods for people with special dietary needs. In the long term we want to continue to play a leading role in this field. Our mission lays out the guidelines which lead the way towards achievement of our ambitious goals. We believe that there has not been a more exciting time to operate within the gluten free market.”

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Trade Monthly Food & Drink Awards 2017

Best Ethnic Food Best Fine Wine Retail Store 2017 Supplier 2017 - UK - Australia Mrs Gill’s Kitchen aims to be a one The Wine Emporium is a world-class retail store of fine wine offering an outstanding range of premium Australian and imported wine. We profile the firm to find out more.

stop shop for quality cooked ethnic food and other special diet foods. We invited Christopher Gill to tell us more about the firm and its delicious range of products.

Drawing on over 30 years’ industry experience, Mrs Gill’s Kitchen supplies a wide range of ethnic foodstuffs to a wide range of clients. Christopher discusses how the company has evolved since inception in order to remain at the forefront of emerging developments in the ever changing food industry.

Established in 2006, The Wine Emporium draws on the vast experience of its team, who have been working together for over 20 years, to provide an amazing selection of wines and advise clients on the very best drink for any occasion. With weekly free in-store tastings, regular special events and wine dinners, and a comprehensive education program, there really is something for everyone at The Wine Emporium. The store is unique in a market dominated by impersonal supermarkets, providing a bespoke service and expert advice and assistance to its loyal patrons.

Ultimately, it is its superb service, quality education centre and overall commitment to excellence that makes The Wine Emporium such a vital centre for any wine enthusiast, and moving forward the firm will be looking to continue to provide this superb level of service to its clients.

Company: The Wine Emporium Pty Ltd Address: Tenancy E2, 76B Skyring Terrace, Newstead Qld 4006 Phone: (07) 3252 1117 Email: info@thewineemporium.com.au Website: www.thewineemporium.com.au

“Here at Mrs Gill’s Kitchen, our business is very much divided into two halves. For 30 years we have provided the NHS and other institutions with authentic ethnic ready meals. For the last six years we have supplied most of the major retail multiples, again with authentic ethnic food. Whether in hospital or in retail, most of our food is consumed by people who value the foods cultural and religious authenticity. “As suppliers to hospitals, we obviously have to be very particular about hygiene and nutrition and we are regularly audited by NHS and retail approved bodies. This ensures that we provide the very highest standard of foodstuffs to our clients. We also have to pay attention to changes in regulations; most recently, allergen awareness has been a big issue, and as such we are constantly updating our packaging and product offering to ensure we are at the cutting edge of market developments.”

Looking ahead, Christopher

is keen to emphasise the firm’s constant focus on developing and staying ahead of the latest market innovations. “Overall, our business is fairly traditional in terms of cooking methods with technology being largely limited to packing, freezing and chilling and ancillary activities. That being said, we are constantly engaged in recipe development, and are looking forward to providing our customers with the very latest delicious products that meet their needs over the months and years ahead. As an expanding business we are always seeking new and vibrant staff who will be able to meet our needs and create the delicacies we have become renowned for, and this will present us with many exciting opportunities to work with new people and incorporate fresh ideas into the business.”

Company: Mrs Gill’s Kitchen Name: Christopher Gill Email: cg@mrsgillskitchen.com Web Address: www.mrsgillskitchen.com Address: unit F2, Hastingwood Trading Estate, Harbet Road, London N18 3HU Telephone: 020 8807 6584

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Scottish Grocersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Federation

Best Food Trade Association - Scotland Scottish Grocersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Federation (SGF) the authoritative voice for the Convenience store industry to both policy makers and the media. We profile this dynamic organisation and explore the range of services it provides. Contact: Pete Cheema, Chief Executive p.cheema@scotgrocersfed.co.uk

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Pete Cheema SGF Chief Executive

Trade Monthly Food & Drink Awards 2017

SGF is the national trade association for the independent convenience store industry. There are more convenience stores per head of population in Scotland than there are in the rest of the UK. The federation was formed in 1918 and celebrates its centenary in 2018. Throughout this time, it has guided and championed the independent sector and helped it become a sector which provides 42,000 jobs in Scotland and which contributes almost £600 million per annum to the economy in Gross Value Added. Independent convenience stores provide vital routes to market for our food and drink manufacturers and wholesalers. They are at the heart of supply chains and increasingly independent convenience stores are working with genuinely local producers. SGF connects the different parts of the supply chain and brings retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers together. With support from the Scottish government, the SGF Healthy Living Programme has been hugely successful in making healthier food become more available and accessible in its members’ stores. The Programme has been particularly successful in promoting healthy eating options in Scotland’s more deprived communities. The programme also supports the work of breakfast clubs in primary schools, with the ‘big breakfast’ events ensuring that every school pupil receives a healthy and nutritious breakfast. SGF has a small but dedicated staff team who are committed to driving up standards and achieving excellence across the industry in Scotland. The team provides guidance and support to retailers, provides advice and training materials, helps to ensure awareness of and compliance with legislation. The underlying ethos is to ensure responsible community retailing.

The SGF Benevolent Fund offers a vital resource for anyone connected with

the industry who has found themselves in a time of need. The Fund exists solely to benefit former retailers, their families and staff and has been providing this invaluable support for almost a century. The federation has played a key role in establishing the first-ever retail cross party group in the Scottish Parliament. Fundamentally, the Federation ensures that its members stay informed, connected and aware of changes in the food industry. It helps retailers respond to changing customer tastes and expectations and remains modern, dynamic and successful. Company: Scottish Grocers’ Federation Address: 222/224 Queensferry Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2BN, UK Phone: 1313433300 Website: www.scottishshop.org.uk

Best Food Processing & Packaging Supplier - UK Drawing on almost 60 years’ experience in the food packaging market, Reiser’s leading processing and packaging solutions support a wide range of clients. We invited Richard Watson to tell us more. For 57 years, Reiser has been a leading supplier of processing and packaging equipment solutions for the sausage, meat, poultry, seafood, prepared food, bakery and cheese industries. During that time, the company has gained recognition for its high-quality equipment, innovative engineering, and outstanding service and support. Today, this total commitment to its customers positions Reiser as the one supplier that processors can trust for better, smarter solutions, as Richard emphasises. “Here at Reiser, everything we do is about driving better quality of end product for our customer and their end users. We not only continue with product development to ensure we deliver the very best quality but continue to build our team of in house specialists that work with and support our customers with development and tests.” Moving forward, the company’s overall focus will remain on providing excellence as it undertakes a number of exciting developments, which Richard is keen to highlight in his concluding comments. “As the Reiser business grows we continue to invest in our people and seek to incorporate more talent into the business to further strengthen our position as supplier of choice by serving and supporting our customers. Reiser is a family owned and run business and the culture embodies

that from top to bottom. We very much work as one team with one common focus, the Customer; they are and will continue to be at the centre of everything.

“In addition, 2018 will see Reiser UK move to new purpose built facilities that will further enhance our customers experience when they visit us and enable us to better demonstrate our full range of equipment and capabilities.” Contact: Richard Watson Contact Email: salesuk@reiser.com Company: Reiser UK Limited Address: Maidstone Road, Kingston, Milton Keynes, MK10 0BD, UK Phone: 0 1908585300 Web Address: www.reiser.com

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Best Polish Food Import Company - UK Anglo-Dal Limited is a private trading company established before the Second World War supplying a wide variety of Polish delicacies. We caught up with Stan Mirgos to learn more. Over the past 75 years since its inception, Anglo-Dal has developed extensive trade relations with various Polish partners and UK customers, which have helped the firm to become the leading specialist in successful business development between Poland and Great Britain, covering a range of food and confectionery lines. Stan discusses how the firm works to maintain and build upon this excellent standard and defines the secrets behind its success. “At Anglo-Dal, we aim to offer the highest quality products throughout our range and to develop a trade relationship which has mutual benefit to all involved. Our overall success is a result of a profound knowledge of markets combined with experienced and friendly staff. We are dedicated to providing very high quality products to meet today’s specific market requirements and demands. We offer long term commitment to our partners and satisfaction to our clients. By doing so, we show positive attitude which is the foundation of our relationship with suppliers and customers. “Central to our service offering is our products, as we offer clients a selection which cannot be matched elsewhere. We are the sole distributors on the UK market of KRAKUS branded bottled vegetables like “Ogorki Konserwowe” - Pickled Dill Cucumbers, “Kapusta Kiszona” Sauerkraut, fruits in syrup, as well as ready made fresh ingredient soups such as the typical Polish “Zurek” and “Barszcz Czerwony”- Red Borscht.

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They are semi-processed products indispensable in the preparation of nutritious and healthy meals, easy to use and very handy in any kitchen.

“In addition, our own confectionery brand SESAME SNAPS is a snack made using the highest quality sesame seeds. Having been on the market for over 30 years, SESAME SNAPS are widely known and well established. Our product is gluten free, kosher, suitable for vegetarians and has been nominated for the best confectionery award by The Vegetarian Society.”

“Ultimately, we have been successful all these years and we aim to stay that way in future by working to develop new lines and integrate additional products into our offering.”

Company: Anglo-Dal Ltd Address: Anglo-Dal House, 5 Spring Villa Road, Edgware, Middlesex. HA8 7EB UK Phone: +44 20 89515050 Fax: +44 20 89514814 E-mail: office@anglo-dal.co.uk

Best Food Processing Technology Solutions Provider 2017 JBT Corporation is a leading global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food and beverage processing and air transportation industries. We profile the firm to find out more. Founded in 1884, JBT Corporation design, manufacture, test and service technologically sophisticated systems and products for customers through its two core segments, JBT FoodTech and JBT AeroTech. JBT FoodTech is a leading supplier of integrated food processing solutions. From single machines to complete processing lines, the firm enhance value and capture quality, nutrition and taste in food products. With a local presence on six continents, JBT can quickly provide customers and partners in the food processing industry with the know-how, service, and support needed to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. The group’s other major business unit, JBT AeroTech, is a leading supplier of ground support and gate equipment as well as services to airlines, airports, air-freight carriers, ground handlers and the military. From touchdown to takeoff, the company deliver the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO). Staff are vital, and as such the firm hire the best and the brightest people from different backgrounds, beliefs and personalities, and are committed to creating an environment that values diversity and promotes inclusion. The company’s customers come from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds, and its employees should be no different. In addition to a competitive package, JBT Corporation offer the growth potential of a company with a developing

technology that is unique in its field, plus a collaborative working environment where your individuality, imagination and talent will be recognized and rewarded. Its employees are experienced and understand the industries they are serving. Many have post graduate education and many have been working overseas, which serves as testimony to the high quality training and support the firm offers its staff. Ultimately, JBT Corporation continually invest in technology and innovation through its technical centers, R&D efforts and staff of technical sales and service engineers.

Moving forward, this focus on continuous development will remain the firm’s ongoing strategy as it aims to grow and build upon its current success. Company: JBT Corporation Contact: Carlos Saavedra Contact Email: carlos.saavedra@jbtc.com Address: 400 Fairway Ave. Lakeland, Florida, USA Phone: 18636835411 Website: www.jbtcorporation.com

Trade Monthly Food & Drink Awards 2017

Best Natural Mineral Water Supplier - UK

Just Drinking Water Ltd Just Drinking Water Ltd produces Aquapax Natural Mineral Water, one of the purest mineral waters in the world, with natural low mineral balance and practically no nitrates. We profile the firm and its innovative product to explore the secrets behind its success. Just Drinking Water Ltd (JDW) is an independent business which produces, markets and sells AQUAPAX Natural Mineral Water – the foremost brand of ‘unbottled’ Natural Mineral Water; AQUAPAX mineral water is quite uniquely, sealed from light and air in majority paper cartons, sourced from sustainable and FSC certified approved timber resources.

Multi-award winning Aquapax still natural mineral water is truly one of the purest waters on earth. Created by Brighton, UK based Just Drinking Water Ltd, water is sourced beneath a protected nature park in Germany, with a near perfect 7.065pH natural mineral balance!

AQUAPAX is sealed in ‘beautifully distinctive’ paper cartons and carries a ‘suitable for infants’ classification, unique among mineral waters in the UK. Just Drinking Water Ltd produce, market and sell AQUAPAX for discerning quality and health focussed customers across the world, distributing through alliance partners with a genuine commitment to ecological integrity and environmental best practise. As an ethics led, environmentally focussed enterprise, JDW carbon balances all company energy used and allocates 1% of its sales turnover to ecological restoration projects through onepercentfortheplanet.org. The company provides this innovative water product to a global client base of discerning customers who make conscious product decisions based on core product quality, their own and their family’s health and the products environmental sensitivity. Packaging is one of the elements that makes much of the world’s

bottled water so harmful to the environment. In order to avoid polluting the earth Aquapax carton packages are supplied by Tetra Pak and are made from 72% paperboard, 22.5% LLDPE (a non-leaching, BPA & antimony free, food grade polymer) & a 5.5% (6 microns thin) oxygen impermeable aluminium barrier film. The cartons are wholly recyclable and the wood used to make the majority paper carton is sourced from ‘FSC’ certified, sustainable forests, making the cartons the lowest carbon footprint package option available. An Aquapax carton has all of the integrity of glass, without the associated carbon footprint, and can be safely refilled by its original owner for reuse before recycling. UK Retail alliances include selected Holland & Barrett stores nationwide, plus online through amazon.co.uk and through many wonderfully independent minded cafes and shops operating in the growing ‘whole / natural foods’ segment across the UK and Europe. Just Drinking Water Ltd offers its customers the very best in eco-friendly, sustainable drinking water, and maintaining this position as one of the leaders in the environmentally sensitive drinking water market will remain the firm’s ongoing focus as it looks forward to a bright and prosperous future. In order to achieve this the company are looking to increase their UK and European distribution, alongside creating formal distribution alliances in both the US and Middle East Markets. #ditchtheplastic Company: Just Drinking Water Ltd Email: hello@aquapaxwater.com Website: www.aquapaxwater.com

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Best Wholesale Sausage Supplier - UK

Snowbird Foods Snowbird Foods is a dedicated supplier of a range of comminuted meat products. We profile the firm and explore the secrets behind its success. There has been an explosion of growth over the last decade in the market for both frozen and chilled ready meals based on fully cooked comminuted meat products and recent high profile new product launches demonstrate that canners are also now expanding their interest. Some of this growth can be traced to Snowbird foods as the company is a dominant force in the foodservice, sandwich and ready meals markets where the demand for its high quality, fully cooked and frozen comminuted meat products like sausages and meatballs have established it as a leading player in these sectors and thus an important supplier of key ingredients to the retail market. Established in 1999 to manufacture fully cooked sausages and other meat products, Snowbird Foods entered the industry at a time when this market did not exist, and as such the firm faced a battle to find the niches for the products being offered. Key to the subsequent selective growth of sales was a high-powered, high speed new product development team which has responded quickly to those manufacturers placed under pressure by customers seeking both true innovation and me-too ingredients for ready meals whilst exclusively using store-cupboard ingredients. The activities of Snowbird and its competitors have seen the market for ready meals divide into super premium, premium, standard, value, healthy living and children’s segments with more popular dishes. The fully cooked business really began to grow when ready meal assemblers realised it was cheaper and more convenient to source sausages, meatballs and the like from a supplier which could

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guarantee to deliver on time whilst consistently meeting demanding quality and price specifications. That proved a welcome and cost effective alternative to utilising its own expensive factory space to make, cook, freeze, pack and then store these ingredients.

casseroles and as a base for a selection of breakfast ideas. Horseshoes and ring shapes add variety. Sausage coins appear in soups (a new and fast growing snack meal segment), as the star of both pasta and pizza meals and in hand held snack pots.

Such realisation generated Snowbird’s multi-million-pound business, spread across almost every multiple private label and a surprising number of manufacturer brands. Seventy per cent of this is for frozen ready meals with the remaining 30% being accounted for by the chilled market.

In addition, the firm’s range of meatballs and Koftes provide variety, with a range of recipes for the former representing Foods of the World including traditional English, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Chinese and Indian cuisines.

Sausages are the bulk of the business and bespoke products based on the company’s Gourmet Plus range can have a meat content more than 90%. Established and consistent procurement methods mean the meat can be all British and from selected breeds of pig or (almost) anything else a customer seeks to specify. Recipe ideas appear endless. Whole sausages go with mash, as the stars of Toad in the Hole, in Cumberland Sausage Pies, in

All these products are also being utilised in the growing sectors for party platters, sharing food and children’s meals where mini meatballs and our new, tiny meat bites (for sprinkling) are popular. In the hand held area, both lengthsplit sausages and coin cuts feature in hot and cold sandwiches. Balls and koftes add interest to wraps. Ultimately, Snowbird has also proved it is the “go-to” manufacturer when it comes to new ideas for the foodservice sector and in recent times has deservedly won nearly

fifty industry awards for quality and innovation. Now owned by its management, the company has a stable and therefore experienced and well trained work force and its planned programme of staff development has enabled promotion from within on the rare occasions when a senior member of staff retires, or moves on. With a factory which has passed every technical examination at the highest possible level, Snowbird is now expanding its early interest in export markets. with a world beating selection of high quality, innovative fully cooked and frozen products, and moving forward the firm will be looking to build upon its current success and continue to lead the market for sausages.

Company: Snowbird foods Contact: Roddy Contact Email: hepmpartnership@gmail.com Address: Wharf Road, Enfield, EN3 4TD, UK Phone: 2088059222 Website: www.snowbirdfoods.co.uk

Best Refrigerated Beans Provider 2017 - USA

Trade Monthly Food & Drink Awards 2017

The Better Bean Company The Better Bean Company is pioneering a fresh refrigerated replacement to canned beans, with the firm’s gourmet Refried and Cuban style beans handmade from natural Northwest ingredients. We invited father and daughter co-founders, Keith & Hannah Kullberg to tell us more. The Better Bean Company offers eight core products: Skillet Red Beans, Uncanny Refried Black Beans, Cuban Black Beans, Three Sisters Chili, Roasted Chipotle Red Beans, Southwestern Pinto Beans, Tuscan White Beans and their newest Better Baked Beans. These products are designed to meet consumer demands for quality, fresh beans which are conveniently stored, as Keith explains. “People love beans. In the US, they buy over $2.5B of beans a year in grocery store. However, the quality of canned beans leaves a lot to be desired. The canning process destroys the flavor, texture and nutrients of beans. That is why hummus is not sold in cans. This leads to a problem. When you go to the grocery store you only have two choices: buy inferior canned beans or buy dry beans and spend a couple hours making them. “Better Bean offers consumers a better choice. Our beans are sold in deli tubs in the refrigerated section of grocery stores. They are ready to eat like canned beans but with the great flavor and texture of the best home-cooked beans. They are delicious straight from the tub and also excellent in quick and easy recipes such as tacos, soups, entrées, and rice and beans. Hannah continues, “Our, small batch beans are made in our dedicated kitchen. We soak then cook our beans with peppers, onions, herb & spices which gives them their rich and authentic flavor. We use apple cider vinegar in our recipes to brighten the flavor and reduce the need for sodium.” Better Beans are Vegan, Glu-

ten-Free, GMO-Free, BPA-Free and all natural, ensuring quality for customers. The health benefits of beans are renowned, as they are a longevity food. Beans are high in protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. Eating beans multiple times a week, helps people lose weight, balance blood sugar and can help reduce risk of cancer and cardio vascular disease. All of these factors are key drivers for the Better Bean Company as it seeks to offer clients the very best products, as Hannah discusses:

“Our mission is to inspire people to fall in love with beans. To do this we more beans, make the tastiest Better Bean will beans around help people eat a and we sell them more plant-based in a convenient diet. This will fresh readyhave a positive to-eat format. impact on both We challenge public health and people to rethink the sustainability beans.“By of our food making it easy system.” and tasty for Moving forward, Keith & Hannah people to eat are excited about the future for their company as it seeks to build

upon its current success. Hannah explains, “Looking ahead, our team at Better Bean is excited about the difference we are already making in improving our customers’ diet and daily lives. We see that Better Beans really do become a staple in our customer’s healthy homes. We are excited to expand this positive impact to more families across the US and Canada.”

Company: The Better Bean Company Contact: Hannah Kullberg Contact Email: hannah@betterbeanco.com Address: 25977 SW Canyon Creek Rd, Suite F, Wilsonville OR, 97070, USA Phone: 15039708045 Website: www.betetrbeanco.com Instagram & twitter: @betterbeanco Facebook: betterbean

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Best Global Diversified Food Supplier - UK

Flagship Europe Flagship Europe is a respected name in the foodservice industry, with a prestigious customer base including key players across all sectors of the market. We invited Edward Baker to tell us more. Established in 1991, Flagship Europe prides itself on fast, friendly and efficient service, coupled with premium quality products at competitive pricing levels. This, along with a strong commitment to product innovation and a true understanding of the specific demands of the market has led to impressive growth. The firm is committed to supplying products of the highest quality. its range is sourced solely from factories that are independently audited and assessed against one or more of the following internationally recognised standards of operation: BRC - Global Food Safety Standard, IFS - International Food Standard, SIA - Global Food Safety Standard, NSF - Food Safety Standard & ISO 9001 - 2008 Quality Management Systems. The 2010 acquisition of Oasis Foods, manufacturers of quality mayonnaise, sauces, dressings and dips ensured continued growth for the business. This growth continued at great pace following the 2015 acquisition of Oliver James Foods and Oliver James Proper Pies and then the acquisition of Calder Foods at the end of 2016. These acquisitions have helped the firm to grow, however, as Edward is keen to emphasise, it is the company’s committed workforce that truly sets it apart from its competition. “Driven by our passion for food, the team works closely with customers to create menu solutions, incorporating the latest trends and flavours from around the world. Whether developing a new bespoke concept or dish, or simply choosing from the wide selection of branded products. , Flagship Europe offers a complete product sourcing package unlike any other.

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We have a dedicated team of over 400 colleagues throughout the UK. Our Head Office is located in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, with production sites located in High Wycombe (Buckinghamshire), Redditch (West Midlands) & Carlisle (Cumbria).” This strong, collaborative internal culture has helped the firm to form strong relationships with its clients across the food service market, as Edward outlines. “Over the years, we have developed extremely strong relationships with our customers, who truly value our creativity and commitment in helping them fulfil their diner’s desires, in such a fast-paced foodservice environment. Just a few of them include Domino’s, Greene King, Whitbread, Mitchells & Butlers, Pizza Express, Bill’s, Café Rouge, JD Wetherspoons & Bidvest. “These customers span widely

across the foodservice sector. We supply the major UK pub, pizza delivery and casual dining chains, independent restaurants and coffee shops, the education sector, manufacturers, as well as independent and chains of wholesalers, as well as cash and carry. We now also supply a selection of our customers in’ mainland Europe businesses, which has allowed us the opportunity to grow and expand.” Looking ahead, this growth will remain the firm’s ongoing focus, as Edward proudly concludes.

“Despite the recent challenges that Brexit has brought upon us, we continue to

trade well and win new business both through our existing customers and by bringing new customers into the fold.” Company: Flagship Europe Contact: Edward Baker Contact Email: nigel@ flagshipeurope.eu Address: Studio 7 Crown House, High Street, Hartley Wintney, Hook, RG27 8NW, UK Phone: 1252846500 Website: www.flagshipeurope.eu

Best F&B Brand Distributor - South England

Trade Monthly Food & Drink Awards 2017

Innzone Innzone operate a national sales and distribution service for new products and established brands wanting to optimise their retail presence throughout the UK. We invited Phillip Glyn to tell us more. Innzone is a specialist sales and distribution house for the Convenience Sector offering services to both established and fledging brands looking to improve their presence within the 30,000 independent convenience stores across the UK. Working with a vast client base that includes everyone from small stores to household names including Pepsico, Fruitella, Smint and Monster, the firm has built up an enviable reputation for excellence, as Phillip highlights. “Innzone represent brand owners in both convenience and high street retail multiples and offer a number of services that help with penetrating the market and gaining the brand distribution on the high street. Our business is growing due to the increasing number of suppliers choosing to enter the UK market, and who need assistance. All aspects of our Supply Chain model are monitored by our Quality Control team to ensure health and safety is rigid. Our clients trust us to handle and represent their brand so it is crucial that their interests are absolutely paramount from start to finish.” In order to offer the very highest standard of service having highly professional, well trained staff is vital, as Phillip emphasises. “At Innzone, ‘Mentoring rather than monitoring’ the individual has always been an important tool in helping to align everyone with the company’s goals. Staff are empowered to establish and drive towards those goals and I believe the success of this approach is reflected in our staff retention rates. We employ an HR specialist who will bi-annually interview all staff to get anonymous feedback on all aspects of their role and the wider business. What you get back can be enlightening and I would strong-

ly recommend it to any business with anything over 5 staff. “Despite outsourcing this area of the business, we largely manage our own recruitment in-house and try where possible to recognise and cherry pick the best talent from our own, and related, industries. We have used agencies in the past but we are of a size now whereby people are aware of us and our reputation and are willing to listen when we get I touch with an exciting opportunity. We are also a big supporter of the government’s apprentice scheme and have given permanent employment to three of our apprentices over the past two years.” Overall, the future for the food and drink market is ever evolving, and from a convenience store perspective then the industry is going through the biggest changes it has seen in years. Traditional lines such as tobacco, newspapers, alcohol are either slowing down or being squeezed for margin as these categories get increasingly competitive. Diversifying their offering, often away from food and drink, is the only way that a store will survive into the next decade and beyond. What might have been ‘convenient’ for a customer to buy from his local store 15 years ago is not necessarily what he/she still looks for from the same store.

forward will be on exports as this area has been The major grocers are rationalising their ranges, focusing on growing steadily fewer products but doing them better. Consumer trends are also thanks to the changing and therefore the types of products stocked in retail are firm’s innovative also getting for example, healthier and more functional which creates product offering, opportunities for new suppliers. as Phillip For Innzone, the concludes. main focus going “The export sector has become our fastest growing area of the

business. Because our portfolio of products is entirely unique in concept and exclusive to Innzone, we are regularly being approached by international distributors, looking for novel and attractive products to distribute in their territory. We now have 12 countries buying products from us on a regular basis and are looking forward to growing this area of the business even more in the future.”

Company: Innzone Ltd Name: Phillip Glyn Email: pg@innzone.com Web Address: www.innzone.com Address: Berkeley House, 18-24 High Street, HA8 7RP Telephone: 0203 7711012

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