Addo Food Group's brand manager named food industry 'Rising Star'
23 September 2016
Addo Food Group's brand manager named food industry 'Rising Star'
Samuel Benjamin, a Brand Manager at Addo Food Group in Nottingham, triumphed in the 'Rising Star' Award at last night's prestigious Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Awards. The ceremony, at London's The Brewery, celebrated leading businesses and industry professionals from across the food and drink supply chain. The category, which was sponsored by PepsiCo UK & Ireland, saw judges search for an exceptional individual with the potential to go far in the industry.
Samuel's passion for growing the bakery side of the Addo Food Group's business is what made him stand out to the company's leadership team and judges in the 'Rising Star' category. Beginning as a trainee chef at Addo's Riverside Bakery, Samuel was promoted to Retail Account Manager at the company and later Brand Manager for the No.G range.
No.G is the first range of gluten-free sweet and savoury pastry products to be produced on a mass scale for UK retailers. As part of his role, Samuel is responsible for working with the development team on new products; mapping the brand's future strategy; securing new retailer listings and looking after marketing activity. His passion for this growing area of baking is widely recognised by his colleagues at Addo Food Group, who praise his drive to turn his vision for new gluten-free products into reality.
FDF's Director General Ian Wright said: “The Rising Star category showcases emerging talent and identifies those bright sparks who have the potential to be the future leaders of our industry. It is clear that Samuel is a very talented and valued member of the team at Addo Food Group, with all the right qualities and attitude to go far in the food and drink sector. Addo Food Group has demonstrated real confidence in developing Samuel's natural flair, and passion for product development and brand management. I commend Samuel and Addo Food for fostering new talent within our industry. ”
Sally McCombie, Senior Director Corporate Affairs, PepsiCo UK & Ireland said: “We chose to sponsor the 'Rising Star' category because we know that nurturing talent is crucial to the success of our industry. Samuel has all the components to be a future leader – an entrepreneurial spirit, passion for innovation and strong relationship building skills. We have no doubt he will go far. Congratulations Samuel!”
More information
Event photos are available on FDF's Flickr page
The 2017 FDF Awards will launch in November 2016.
Notes for editors
- The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the voice of the food and drink manufacturing industry – the UK's largest manufacturing sector.
- View the winners' case studies
- Addo Food Group a premium producer of chilled savoury pastry products headquartered in Nottingham.
- PepsiCo UK is home to Quaker, Walkers, Pepsi and Tropicana – market-leading brands and household favourites. The team behind PepsiCo's products is 5,000 strong and spread across 14 UK sites – from Walkers in Leicester to Copella in Boxford and Quaker in Cupar.
Contact Matthew Evans, Corporate Affairs Division, at: Matthew.Evans@fdf.org.uk, or (0) 20 7420 7152.
