The 2011 Food & Farming Industry Awards took place on the 9th of December at the House of Commons, recognizing the champions of the UK farming industry.

Sponsors for the event, which celebrates the people and companies that are growing our economy through innovation and hard work, were Agrovista UK, Genus plc, Du Pont (UK), Safety Revolution, Firestone, McDonalds Restaurants, Mole Valley Farmers, Elanco Animal Health, AGCO Finance/Massey Ferguson, Genesis QA.

Speaker at the event, organized by Farm Business, was Adam Henson, and our host the MP Daniel Kawczynski.

Award winners announced below

Please keep watching  . . . next week our winner photos will be on-line

For any enquiries about this or the 2012 awards please e-mail awards@ghpublishing.co.uk

Thank you


FARM BUSINESS FOOD & FARMING INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS 2011

FARM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Genus plc

Winner - DELAMERE DAIRY

Delamere Dairy began life over 25 years ago in Delamere Forest, Cheshire, when Liz & Roger Sutton bought their first three goats.  Today Delamere Dairy is an outstanding example of a business successfully adapting to a new business model to meet a changing market place and to allow it to grow more rapidly. It has adapted from a small goat farming business in Cheshire to the development of a strong and impactful brand, selling to local multiples and in overseas markets. The business turnover upwards of £15Million – and that’s from goats milk!  - Delamere was the outstanding entrant in this year’s Farm Business of the year award.

Roger & Liz Sutton, joint Managing Directors and Commercial Director Ed Salt of Delamare Dairy received their award from Director Genus Europe Rob Holliday.

Highly commended – LYE CROSS FARM

Lye Cross Farm is one of the leading milk producer/processors in the UK. The judges were impressed by the diversification and the scale of the enterprises with over 1700 ha farmed with 1000 dairy cows, 650 beef and 4300 sows as well as over 600ha of arable. Lye Cross is a successful brand, retailing cheese to the multiples and exporting to over 30 countries. The whole business is carried out with carried of the environment and energy efficiency in mind as well as taking the general public along, last year welcoming over 18K school children.

Nick Green, Director of Lye Cross Farm received his award from Genus.


PROGRESSIVE FARMER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Agrovista UK

Winner - WISBECH CONTRACT FARMING

John Portass has taken a fresh look at the fruit industry, working with consumers, marketing organisations, technology and the environment to increase productivity. He has used great attention to detail to maximise each and every area of the farm to grow the business and is willing to share his knowledge, expertise, and research with others to help develop their businesses.

John Portass, Manager Wisbech Contract Farming, received his award from Nick Rainsley, Head of Marketing at Agrovista UK.

Highly Commended – PE KING

P E King have not be afraid to take risks and to diversify the family farm the judges noted. The business has utilised its location to benefit from Bristol’s large centre of population with storage and business units through to vinegar production. The forward thinking allows the dairy to benefit from added-value milk products, increasing the income over the standard milk market.
Mike King, Director, PE King received his award from Agrovista.


Special Judges Award  - RICHARD WOOD
Sponsored by the senior Judging Panel and Farm Business

For Oustanding Contribution to Agriculture and Business Administration

Richard Wood has just retired, after a most successful and illustrious career, as Chief Executive of Genus plc.

A graduate chemical engineer, Richard has applied the very highest standards of business management and has been the most successful Chief Executive of all UK agricultural businesses, to quote John Beckett, former Chairman of Genus plc and founder of Belton Cheese.

The result of Richard’s success over the last 14 years is that Genus is now a FTSE 250 company with a market capitalisation of some £620 million, operating in 70 countries with bull studs in India, Russia and China with nucleus pig farms in China and Russia and rapidly growing investments in Latin America and elsewhere.
Richard received his award from award winning Robin Hancox, Director of Lincolnshire Field Products, a member of the senior judging panel.

RURAL ENTERPRISE AWARD
Sponsored by McDonalds Restaurants

Winner – VINE HOUSE FARM
Few the potential of wild bird seed nor the way the market for bird seed would grow but Nicholas Watts early passions for bird watching and keen observations turned an idea into a success. As rural enterprises go, this ticks so many boxes – it’s a family run business, it’s sustainable, always moving forward, it knows its market well and delivers what its customers want, and as Nicholas says, unlike many businesses that might have a negative effect on their environment as they grow – more and more hectares of wild bird seed just goes on adding to the environment in a positive way.
Nicholas Watts Director of Vine House Farm and Mrs Anne Watts received their award from McDonald’s Restaurant’s Michele Banik-Rake, Head of Agriculture.


Highly Commended – FARRINGTON’S
The judges were impressed with Farrington’s Farmshop.  A dairy farm that diversifies to introduce a farmshop,  and then encourages other businesses to set up alongside it creating a whole enterprise park of local produce and services – including a bakery, a fresh fish shop, a beauty salon and hair dresser, a gift shop and a florist.  Giving the customer more reason to come to Farringtons has been key to their success.
Peter Brook and Mrs Pat Brook of Farringtons also received their award.


FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers

Winner – THE MEDINA DAIRY
The company employs over 70 family members and relatives across the UK, and over 700 people in total.
The business is now the largest family owned milk processing company in the UK supplying over 7,000 retail and wholesale customers from 2 processing sites in Hampshire and Huddersfield to its 35 national distribution centres across the UK.

Turnover for 2010 has now grown to £202m. Much of the profit generated from the business is donated to charities in the UK and overseas which the judges were particularly impressed with.
The Medina’s ‘Watsons’ brand is the fastest growing milk brand in the UK and is being recognised as one of the largest UK food brands in the market place. A very worthy Family business winner.
Sheazad Hussain, CEO of Medina Dairy received his award from Mole Valley Farmers Chief Executive Officer Andrew Jackson.


Highly Commended – YUMMY YORKSHIRE

The need to create additional revenue from the excess of cream for their retail milk rounds, gave them the idea to develop an ice-cream brand.  The result was Yummy Yorkshire; a luxurious artisan ice cream made from the milk and cream from the farm’s own herd of Holstein cows combined with fresh, authentic ingredients, sourced from local producers where possible. The judges liked the family involvement in the business, and could see that it gave the business strength.
Louise & Jeremy Holmes, of Yorkshire Milk, and the Yummy Yorkshire brand received their award from Mole Valley Farmers


AGRONOMIST OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Du Pont (UK) Ltd

Winner – DAVID YOUNGS, CHEMSPEC
David Youngs stood out for many reasons this year, his wide ranging knowledge of many crops and what was required of an agronomist. He demonstrated a good relationship with all his customers and was keen to identify and fulfill their farming aspirations. He is well organised and embraced innovative and forward thinking practices to help deal with the world demand for more food in a changing climate. He ultimately wanted to help his growers achieve high yielding profitable crops but not at the expense of the environment. David showed himself as a true ambassador for agronomy, technically focussed, proactive, enthusiastic and professional .

David received his award from Technical Manager at Du Pont (UK) Ltd – Georgina Clayton.


Highly Commended – PAUL BENNETT, AGROVISTA UK

Paul showed that he was a good communicator and keen to pass on any new information onto growers or other members of his team. His highly technical approach, enthusiasm and his desire to help all his growers improve their margins was clearly evident in his interview.
He was innovative in his approach and embraced new technologies including gene transfer.

Paul received his award from Technical Manager at Du Pont (UK) Ltd – Georgina Clayton.



FOOD CHAIN MARKETING AWARD
Sponsored by Elanco Animal Health

Winner – PIEMINISTER

In a few short years Pieminister has become ‘leader of the pie revolution’ as the brand put it, creating an innovative range of premium quality pies that taste great and are marketed in an exciting and original way.  The packaging of the pies shows a ‘shelf awareness’ not usually present in such a new brand.  Production volumes have grown from 100 pies a day of production to over 15,000 pies a day. The Sunday Times listed Pieminister in their top 100 fastest growing private businesses in Britain.

Jon Simon and Tristan Hogg, founders of Pieminister received their award from Mike Brown, Managing Director of Elanco UK & Ireland.

Highly Commended – DAIRY CREST

Dairy Crest, the UK’s largest purchaser of British milk and the dairy behind popular household brands including Cathedral City, Davidstow, Clover, Country Life and FRijj milkshakes has recently created an innovative jug called JUGIT which makes it easy for people to buy milk in plastic bags rather than in plastic bottles – a move that’s saved lots of plastic. Working with leading retailers and by selling the through the milkman, JUGIT is now available across much of the UK.

Roger Robotham, Corporate Development Director and John O’Maoileoin, CR Manager at Dairy Crest received the award on behalf of Dairy Crest.



CHAMPION SUSTAINABLE FARM PRACTICE
Sponsored by Genesis Quality Assurance

Winner – OAKLAND FARM EGGS

The award is not about people who talk about sustainable farm practice, it is about people who DO, who inspire through their actions, who are business men and women dedicated to commercial success in the UK and beyond. The Griffiths Family Aled, Elwyn and Gareth  are shining examples. With a constant eye on the environment they live and work in, Oakland are continually looking at new ways to produce their egg products more efficiently.   Proud of their recent alliance with Harper Adams University College, the company are helping them to modernise their poultry facilities and improve bird welfare at the Edgmond, demonstrating to students what it means to produce efficiently, what technology adds to efficiency, and what efficiency brings in terms of environmental benefits to both business and the birds in production – securing converts for the future.
They are tireless campaigners for the industry and a very worthy winner.

Technical Manager and assistant Ashley and Cindy Joule from Oakland Farm Eggs received their award from Genesis QA General Manager Bill Young.

Highly Commended – ANDREW GILMAN, CL GILMAN & SONS

A focus on excellence in herd facilities and performance has led to the ongoing rise of fortunes for Andrew and Lyneth Gilman – and as his farm adviser said, is still rising when others are falling.  Year on year his level of performance puts him into the top 10% of costed herds.  Gilman has been awarded for proving it is possible to farm commercially and prosper as a family business whilst caring for the habitat around us.

Andrew received his award from Bill Young

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Safety Revolution

Winner – large scale enterprise – GRESSINGHAM FOODS

The business has developed a very strong team ethos that creates a clear sense of belonging. This combined with evidence of an active and robust health & safety culture, supported by practical, regular training established a winning position.

Gressingham Foods and Green Label Farms LLP place the training and development of their staff very high on their list of priorities.  A company is only as good as the staff that work within it.  The company run a continual staff training and development programme, with farming, factory and management staff all being given the opportunity to attend courses, development programmes and seminars pertinent to their roles within the business:

Managing Director of Operations, Geoffrey Buchanan received the award from Managing Director of Safety Revolution Oliver Dale.

Winner – small scale enterprise – UNCLE HENRYS FARMSHOP

Based in Lincolnshire, the range of projects, promotions, events, and activities surrounding Uncle Henrys is astounding – no ordinary farmshop - there can be no dull moments. Employing over 30 full or part time staff, they take training very seriously with courses, workshops regularly organised for staff where necessary, on a range of procedures important to the everyday operations.  The business holds an Investor in People accreditation and regularly takes on pupils form local schools for work experience, and often later as employees.   Judges were impressed by the work that the business has done to improve staff retention, to maintain a healthy in house training program.

Uncle Henrys director Meryl Ward received the award

Commended in category – MIDLAND PIG PRODUCERS

This business is clearly dynamic and well run, providing very stiff competition in a hard fought category. A consistent approach to managing people together with a very entrepreneurial feel to the business, made Midland Pigs Products a very strong contender for the award.

MPP’s philosophy is “recruit for ability and train for achievement”, the staff are highly motivated and both managers and stockmen have individually picked up many industry awards for training in the last year.

The Award was received by Martin Barker MD of Midland Pig Producers


RETAILER OF THE YEAR – non-multiple category
Sponsored by AGCO Finance and Massey Ferguson

Winner – UNCLE HENRYS FARMSHOP

Uncle Henrys farmshop offers customers a wide range of products from the owners farm.   The farmshop aims to offer good value backed up by customer service promoting the benefits of local sourcing and buying seasonal products. Shop displays are changed regularly to reflect special promotions or the seasons, supplier tastings feature in the café and farmshop and they even show price comparisons on products vs Tesco to show that shopping locally can be good value for money. A loyalty card scheme means that Uncle Henrys know more about their customer, how far they come, what they buy and can tailor their products accordingly.  As a company they have utilised all forms of marketing very successfully – on and off line.

Meryl Ward received the award from David Sleath, Country Manager for AGCO

Highly Commended – SUFFOLK FOOD HALL

The foodhall is run inconjunction with two family farms at Wherstead and Broxtead, the Ipswich foodhall has seen significant success since opening in 2007 with turnover rising to over £2M pa, and employing 55 people. A collaboration of busineses include a wet fish counter, on-farm butchery, a 160 seat restaurant and a commercial kitchen.  They are proud of their growth in just four years and that they have been operationally profitable in every month since opening.

Directors Oliver and Robert Paul received their award.


RETAILER OF THE YEAR – multiple category
Sponsored by AGCO Finance and Massey Ferguson

Winner – MORRISON’S SUPERMARKETS

Winner of this year’s Multiple Retailer of the Year – the judges chose Morrisons Supermarkets.
Ever keen to communicate their provenance and commitment to UK farming, with initiatives such as the Focus Farm Project and an aim to offer a fairer price in the supply chain, Morrisons stood out among their competitors. They only sell 100% British fresh beef, lamb, pork and poultry and have more people preparing more food in store than any other retailer including butchers, bakers and fishmongers, say Morrison. Every week, 11.5 million customers pass through their doors. Supermarket margins are tough as ever, but Morrisons were seen as noticeably supplier-aware, and good communicators.

David Evans, Head of Agriculture for Morrisons received the award from Campbell Scott, Manager Brand Development

Highly Commended – COUNTRYWIDE FARMERS

A leading supplier of products and services to the rural community, with retail products spanning Farming, Smallholder, Equestrian, Rural Business and Country Home sectors, Countrywide Farmers impressed the judges in this category as retailers but also as employers.  So significant to the rural economy, Countrywide make great strides to deliver a personal service, share knowledge and expertise whilst looking at the latest products and innovations - to shape a future as vibrant as their 100 year heritage.

John Hardman, Chief Executive Officer of Countrywide Farmers received the award on behalf of Countrywide Farmers.



PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Firestone

Adam Henson, was presented the award for 2011 Personality of the Year by the Lord Taylor.
Adam is a farmer and along with business partner Duncan, Adam knows only too well the imperatives of a profitable farm, and the needs of a farm to keep a good cost control, and to develop products be it crops or livestock, that are sustainable.

He also farms rare breeds and champions farming in balance with the environment, it is these two things that make Adam uniquely placed to appreciate the views on either side of farming’s fence, and to influence thinking.  He has been praised for highlighting important issues, but delivering messages in a way that is understood by the wider public and as an ambassador this is a highly important role.

Farming UK’ is only just waking up to the fact that it hasn’t done a good job of demonstrating what it does, and why it farms and produces in the way it does, so it is essential to help conserve future farm production in the UK that ambassadors like Adam continue to educate the wider public in a way that brings greater appreciation of where food comes from, and what it takes to fill our supermarkets for over 60M consumers.

Adam received his award from Barry Coleman, Product Manager, Bridgestone, and the Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Parliamentary Under Secretary of state for Agriculture.



Please keep watching  . . . next week our winner photos will be on-line

For any enquiries about this or the 2012 awards please e-mail awards@ghpublishing.co.uk