UK Fruit & Vegetable Awards gives complete control of the voting process over to the industry

The first-ever fresh produce awards voted for entirely by the industry are being launched this summer by FPJ.The revolutionary new event – The UK Fruit & Vegetable Awards – will see a whole range of fresh new categories give previously unsung heroes, as well as established players, the chance to be recognised for their good work across a range of business areas. For the first time, The UK Fruit & Vegetable Awards does away with the traditional format of a judging panel picking the winners, and instead hands over complete control of who wins to the industry.All FPJ subscribers will be eligible to vote online in the new awards, which will be open for entries from now until the end of August. Voting begins in mid-September and the winners will be announced in November. As well as a smart trophy and the recognition of their peers, FPJ will write a special report on their achievements. There is no cost to enter or vote in the awards, which has been designed to be as simple and least time-consuming as possible. Entries are a maximum of 300 words, but can be as simple as submitting the company or individual’s name if you feel the industry knows all about your work.The UK Fruit & Vegetable Awards is being supported by headline sponsor Farmcare, and further, affordable category sponsorship opportunities are available.The list of categories includes: Unsung Hero; Product or Packaging Innovation; Digital Initiative; Growing Initiative; Excellence in HR, Training or Recruitment; University/College Initiative; Marketing Campaign; New Face Award; Charitable Initiative; Research & Development; The Green Award; Wholesale Innovation; Best Supporter of British; Fruit Grower/Supplier of the Year; Vegetable Grower/Supplier of the Year; Salad Grower/Supplier of the Year; Potato Grower/Supplier of the Year; and Lifetime Achievement.Further information and details of how to enter are available at www.fpj.co.uk/awards.The new event dovetails with the highly popular new national conference, The UK Fruit & Vegetable Congress, which was a sellout this year at Chesford Grange in Warwickshire. A venue and date for the April 2016 congress will be announced shortly.Press contactMichael Barker, Editor, Fresh Produce JournalTel: +44 (0) 207 501 0303  |   michael@fpj.co.uk