19 September 2014

Premier Foods scoops two prizes at FDF Awards

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St Albans-based Andy Walker, Company Microbiologist at leading food producer Premier Foods, was named 'Food and Drink Scientist of the Year' at last night's prestigious Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Awards. The ceremony held at London's The Brewery celebrated businesses and industry professionals from across the food and drink supply chain.

Another Premier Foods employee Alice Cavanagh also scooped the “Community Champion” award.

Food and Drink Scientist Award – Andy Walker, Company Microbiologist

Sponsored by General Mills UK Ireland, the Food and Drink Scientist Award commends individuals that have made an extraordinary contribution to the food and drink industry.

Andy has over 20 years' experience of applying microbiology within the food industry and has gained a wealth of knowledge in processes, recipe effects, plant design and environmental controls. Colleagues value the way in which he applies his expertise, in particular the fact that he does not believe in using microbial risk as a reason to stifle innovation or bamboozle colleagues with less knowledge than himself. Instead he uses his skill and judgment to find a way to allow progress whilst always maintaining scientific integrity and credibility and never comprising consumer safety or food industry reputation.

FDF's Director of Economic and Commercial Services Steve Barnes said: “Andy is a worthy winner who is highly regarded by the major retailers, food suppliers and other stakeholders as a significant contributor within his field. Andy is known as someone who sets an exemplary standard and never compromises his scientific integrity. As an active and passionate member of the FDF Food Hygiene Committee and several Institute of Food Science and Technology Working Groups, he makes a valuable contribution to strengthening food safety standards and driving consumer confidence in food safety.“

Category sponsor Sue Swanborough, HR Director General Mills UK, Ireland Nordic said “The development of market leading food brands has been key to the success of General Mills UK, Ireland Nordic. We have a track record of impressive growth with our portfolio of brands such as Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Green Giant, Betty Crocker, Nature Valley and Jus-Rol.

“Food drink scientists play a critical role in the development of quality products which leads not just to the success of individual companies but to broader success for the whole industry. The development of people and the recognition of their achievements is a priority for us and this is why General Mills UK, Ireland Nordic is so proud to sponsor the Food Drink Scientist of the Year award.“

Winner's case studies are accessible here: www.fdf.org.uk/fdf-awards.aspx.

The 2015 FDF Awards will launch on 18 November 2015. For more information on the FDF Awards visit www.fdf.org.uk/fdf-awards.aspx.

Photography available from 19 September here: www.flickr.com/photos/fdfphotos/sets

Notes for editors

1. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the voice of the food and drink manufacturing industry – the UK's largest manufacturing sector. For more information about FDF and the industry we represent visit: www.fdf.org.uk
2. Full details of all the winning company initiatives are available at: FDF public site: Events > FDF Awards
3. Premier Foods is the UK's largest food producer headquartered in St Albans, Hertfordshire. For more information visit: www.premierfoods.co.uk
4. General Mills is one of the world's larger food companies, with offices or manufacturing facilities in more than 30 countries. For more information visit: www.generalmills.co.uk

For More information

FDF Fleur Williamson on 020 7420 7120 pressoffice@fdf.org.uk

Premier Foods 020 7379 5151 premierfoods@maitland.co.uk

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