THE GOOD and the great of foodservice and hospitality sector gathered last night for the “Footprint Farm” themed 5th Anniversary Footprint Awards 2015 at the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf.
Sustainable Use of Natural Resources sponsored by Green10
This category focuses on the efficient management and use of natural resource – be that water, fuel, land, energy to meet the needs we have today and help sustain those resources for use by future generations.
Judges in this category focus on significant provable reduction of use of natural resources, impact, lifecycle, efficient management, renewable resources and technology.
Shortlisted were:
- Johnson’s Stalbridge
- Smith Anderson Group
- Wyke Farms
The Runner up with what the judges said were ‘some BIG achievements are being made.’ is Smith Anderson
The Winner, of whom one judge said that they ‘have the advantage of plenty of ‘waste’ organics for digestion and solar panels but they are maximizing these advantages’, the winner is Wyke Farms.
Waste Management & Reduction Award sponsored by Spirit Pub Company
Entrants were judged on their work to effectively manage and reduce waste – food, water, packaging and other resource.
Judges were looking for clear and accurate processes, collaboration, demonstrable, tangible and provable difference, staff engagement and development of infrastructure.
Shortlisted companies in this category were
- Ampersand Catering at Wakehurst Place
- Simply Cups
- Unilever Food Solutions
- Winnow
The Runner Up which the judges said was ‘a much needed initiative’ and a ‘pioneering work [that] could become a game changer’ is Simply Cups
Of The Winner however the judges said ‘clear objective with great early adoption results’. The winner is Winnow
Environmentally Efficient Logistics sponsored by Nestlé Professional
Food miles are a concept understood by the consumer hence the amount of attention this category has received over the last few years. But rising fuel costs has highlighted the importance of efficiency. The efficient planning and execution of logistics is something this industry pays great attention too.
Judges focus on reduced emissions, strategies, and method of transport, efficiency and collaboration.
Shortlisted in this group were
- Bidvest 3663
- Elior UK
- Greggs plc
- Kuehne + Nagel Ltd
The Runner up was tied and of the one Runner Up this year the entry was referred to as a very consistent and well-written entry. The Runner Up is Bidvest 3663
Of the other Runner up the judges said “remarkable work in its operations – we need more of this” & “A great organisation with great values”. The joint Runner up this year was Greggs plc.
Of this years winner the judges commented ‘Great work going on with Whitbread and Spirit’. The winner of Environmentally Efficient Logistics is Kuehne+Nagel
Responsible Sourcing Award sponsored by Red Tractor
The Responsible Sourcing Award is all about sourcing effectively and without damaging the environment and future supply chain – in other words it’s about food security. But as an industry that has sourcing at the heart of all of its operations it can be a challenge.
This category is hotly contested and judges are looking for minimal environmental impact, investment, strategy, continuous scrutiny and long term plans and a net positive effect.
Shortlisted were:
- Green10
- Nestlé Professional
- Pret A Manger
- University of Brighton
The Runner Up with an entry on which the judges commented ‘A brand showing how it can really support the total supply chain and benefits of investing in core products’, is Nestlé Professional
The Winner of the Responsible Sourcing Award of which the judges said provided “Fantastic support to develop skills within the supply chain by leading a leading brand.” & “The entry is ‘Thought Provoking’” for the Pret Coffee Fund is Pret A Manger
Sustainable Supplier Award sponsored by Sodexo UK & Ireland
Again one of the most hotly contended categories. In hardship businesses are always looking to keep costs down, maintain employment yet boost profit. Many businesses have used this opportunity to look at sustainability and their impact and have adjusted working practices to fulfill this criteria. This category is all about the innovators and those that really scrutinize the responsibility of their product.
Judges looked for evidence of how the product has benefitted the customers, shown economic benefits, and consistency of supply, social impact, and innovation.
Shortlisted in this Category were:
- Acquire
- Brita Professional
- Johnsons Stalbridge
- University of Manchester
Comments from the judges on the Runner Up were ‘Clear Objective & Results’ . The Runners Up are Johnsons Stalbridge.
The Winner of the Sustainable Supplier Award having received comments such as “Making great headway” and “The water agenda is massive and needs bringing to the fore” is Brita Professional.
Energy Efficiency Award sponsored by Johnson’s Stalbridge
Energy Efficiency has been a massive focus for the industry this year and is not set to stop so this really is a very important category. Entrants to this category needed to highlight where and how savings have been made throughout the supply chain – growing, storing, process and delivery.
Judges are looking for proof of reductions, design, innovation, implementation, strategies and savings.
Shortlisted for this awards were:
- ABP Ellesmere Development
- Spirit Pub Company in association with Total & Inenco
- University of Reading
- Wyke Farms
The Runner Up is Wyke Farms
But the Winner of the Energy Efficiency Award for what is said is “initiative with massive scale and great engagement”, for their Project Discovery, the winner is the Spirit Pub Company is association with Total and Inenco.
Sustainable Equipment Manufacturer sponsored by Eau de Vie
The Foodservice industry consumes a vast amount of energy and joined up thinking is only just emerging. The equipment to help preserve energy and other resource is vital.
Judges in this category were looking for design, materials, lifecycle, proof of efficiency and an operational track record.
Shortlisted in the category in alphabetical order were:
- Gram UK
- MKN
- Winterhalter
The Runner Up on which the judges commented “Clever Technology” for their PT ClimatePlus pass through ware washer is Winterhalter.
The judges described the winning entry as a solution to “A massive problem energy wise” and a “much needed product”. The Winner for the SuperiorPlus 72 Refrigerator is Gram UK.
Stakeholder Engagement Award sponsored by innocent Drinks
Stakeholder Engagement is hard to measure and this category is all about the most effective engagement programme aimed at stakeholders both inside and outside of the business.
Judges focused on communication plans and execution, demonstrable buy-in, availability, format and channels of engagement, activities and recognition.
Shortlisted were:
- Eating Better
- Sodexo UK & Ireland
- Spirit Pub Company
- WRAP
The Runner Up of which the judges said “A really really good initiative with enormous scale up and down the organisation. We need more of this type of initiative” is Sodexo UK & Ireland for WasteLess Week.
Of the Winners the judges said “This organisation continues to drive forward the agenda – which in turn has opened the eyes of the industry as can be seen by the number of initiatives within the sector” & “The agreement is focusing attention and has been demonstrating genuine progress”. The Winner for the second year running is WRAP.
Sustainable Innovation in Packaging sponsored by Pro 2 Pack (Fresh Montgomery)
As a vast consumer of packaging, the challenge the foodservice packaging manufacturers face are materials, quantities, food safety and waste streams.
Judges in this category were looking for reductions in quantity, use of materials, re-use strategies, communications around re-use and information that helps regulators and operators mitigate impact. They were also looking for innovation in materials used and initiatives to help reduce food waste.
The entry which is the Runner Up of which the judges said “Excellent piece of innovation and throughout-provoking to highlight progress in the disposable arena” is Huhtamaki.
Of this year’s winner the judges said “a project that shows clear achievements and progress towards clear goals”. For their eco-friendly packaging for all markets, the Winner is Delta Packaging.
Social Impact & Diversity Award sponsored by Kuehne & Nagel
This was a new category year before last and within two years has become one of the most hotly contested categories.
This award seeks to reward social initiatives that have a positive impact on the business, its community and stakeholders.
Judges looked for impact, innovation, expertise gained as a result, diversity, involvement and tangible successful feedback.
Shortlisted were:
- Compass Group
- Enterprise Inns Plc
- innocent Drinks
- Tate & Lyle Sugars
The Runner Up of which the judges said “Impressive that this organisation has had the stamina to grow this initiative of 11 years” & “what a great programme approach for a cause close to all of our hearts which is sometimes overlooked so close to home” is innocent Drinks for the Big Knit.
The Winner whose entry the judges described as “Extraordinary” is Tate & Lyle Sugars.
Sustainability in Education sponsored by TUCO
Sustainability in education is of enormous importance and TUCO have been pushing the agenda.
Sustainability in education is vital due to the supply chain reach, sheer scale of operation but also in the impact it has on influencing the culture of future generations.
Judges looked at sourcing, processes, strategy, implementation of initiatives and most importantly the measurable advantages gained through responsible practice.
Shortlisted were:
- Harper Adams University
- University of Exeter
- University of Leeds
- University of Reading
Of the Runner Up the judges said “Great turnaround story” & “Refreshing to see an initiative developed around the licensed areas”. The Runner Up for its Sustainabiliy in Bars is Reading University.
The Winner of which the judges said “Brilliant initiative supporting every aspect of sustainability and showing clear benefits” is Harper Adams University.
2015 Community Vote Award
The purpose of the Community Vote is a democratic process for constituents in the foodservice community to either vote for a customer, supplier or even in their own capacity as consumers for their regular pub or favourite eatery. The Winner is the business that achieves most votes from the foodservice community.
Those businesses shortlisted were:
- Cafe Muse at Machester Museum
- The Yews, Leicester
- Marine House, Hornsea, London
- Grwoing Underground, Clapham, London
- The Starting Gate, Nottingham
- Gynsills, Leicester
- The Keel Row, Whitley Bay
- Marquis, Rotherham
- The Ferry Inn, Nottingham
The Runner Up is The Yews, Leicester
But in first place we had an exact tie between two businesses:
Growing Underground in London for the incredible innovation of using the latest hydroponic systems and LED technology t grow all year round crops in a pesticide-free environment in disused forgotten tunnels erstwhile underground stations. A completely carbon neutral organisation using 70% less water than traditional open field farming.
The Keel Row, in Seaton Deval, near Whitley Bay, Northumberland. The landlady has raised a great deal of money for local charities. She also drives a “Community Bus” to pick up elderly people from 5 local care homes om the area to bring them to the pub for lunch once a week and bingo every Wednesday giving them the opportunity to get out and about.
2015 Special Achievement Award
This award recognises individual contribution to environmental, social and economic sustainability. This is a hotly contested category and one that attracts a great deal of attention every year. Past winners of this category include Raymond Blanc, Cyrus Todiwala, Springboard’s Anne Pierce MBE and last year Pret A Manger’s Nicki Fisher.
This year’s nominations were:
- Mary McGrath, FoodCycle – for her efforts in pioneering the the charitable redistribution of surplus food.
- Allegra McEvedy, a patron of the Fairtrade Foundation – for services to sustainable and ethical supply chains.
- Baroness Scott, House of Lords – for driving governmental action on food waste
- Dr Richard Swannell, WRAP – for ongoing engagement with industry in the fight against food waste
The Runner Up of this years Footprint Awards Special Achievement Award of who the judges said “This person is the driving force and must take a huge amount of credit for progress by being a very effective ambassador for WRAP = he is hugely respected” is Dr Richard Swannell.
But the Winner, as voted for by the judges, of whom they said “It is so great to see this person up here. It’s wonderful that she has chosen to support the Fairtrade cause, amongst others, so rigorously; she is a very impressive character” is Allegra McEvedy MBE.
