Meat Management Industry Awards

Pilgrim’s UK has been once again recognised by industry leaders after bagging two prizes at this year’s Meat Management Industry Awards which included the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year award and Best Pork/Pigmeat Product for our Tesco Finest Korean Inspired Butterflied Pork Shoulder Joint after being shortlisted across four categories.

The ceremony was held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole last night (12 September) which was hosted by renowned comedian, presenter and author Mark Watson. Pilgrim’s UK also sponsored the event by providing products for the main course which included herb marinated pork medallion, pork and prune roulade and confit pork with black pudding croquette – and all the trimmings!

The business was shortlisted for four gongs which included:

– Manufacturer of the Year
– Best Pork/Pigmeat Product – for both Tesco Finest Korean Inspired Butterflied Pork Shoulder Joint and Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Soft Set Scotch Eggs
– Best Free From Product – Co-op Irresistible Pork and Caramelised Onion Sausage
– Best Lamb Product – Waitrose Slow Cooked Lamb Kleftico

Ivan Siqueira, Pilgrim’s UK CEO, said: “I am extremely proud of these accolades. The competition was strong this year, but I am pleased to see us win the much sought after Manufacturer of the Year award and have one of our pork products take top spot. Being the best in our industry is a constant pursuit of ours and these honours show how we are progressing towards this goal. I want to congratulate and thank everyone across the business for their continued hard work and look forward to seeing our trophy cabinet fill up even more – keep up the good work.”

The awards recognise the best manufacturers and producers, suppliers, retailers and butchers in the UK meat sector, and are voted for by the readers of the magazine, plus various categories judged by experts.Anna Egan, Senior Customer Innovation Manager, and Ben Warren, Commercial Manager were on hand to collect the Best Pork/Pigmeat Product award.

Anna added: “This is a huge win for us and the business. The product has been flying of the shelves and the feedback has been amazing, so this is truly the crowning glory for yet another new product. I also want to take a moment to thank the Bromborough team for supporting and working hard to produce this product.”

Sam Reader, Innovation & Product Director, explained: “This is fantastic news for our growing awards list and continued success recognition. Four of our products were shortlisted across three categories which just shows how well received they are. We are working hard to develop and create new products for an ever-changing market – delighting our customers. I want to thank the Innovation team and all our colleagues across the business for once again helping us win another award.”

The popular Excellence Award title went to Bill Jermey, chairman of the Institute of Meat. Jermey’s contribution to training and education within the sector has been immense, making him an industry stalwart and worthy winner.

To read about the winners and learn more about the awards, visit their website.