Poultrymeat sector comes together to celebrate in first awards

Formerly the British Turkey Awards, the event was expanded in 2017 to include all poultrymeat, and more than 200 guests came together at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane hotel on 14 September to see awards handed to 11 category winners.

Retailer of the year

Asda took the top title of retailer of the year, while Mitchel and Butler were chosen as best in food service. A range of innovative products, such as Aldi’s fajita pulled chicken and Marks and Spencer’s mango and coconut chicken flatties were also recognised.

Mitchel and Butler received the foodservice operator award. Photo: David Rose

The evening once again offered student chefs the chance to cook in a top London hotel. This year, Danny Franco from Hackney College was selected after designing a winning starter – an Asian Style Turkey Picnic.

Danny Franco from Hackney College recieved the student chef award. Photo: David Rose

And more than £6,000 was raised for blood cancer charity Bloodwise, while food redistribution organisation FareShare highlighted the work it does with the poultry sector.

High spec products

Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council said: “Our new awards attracted a huge number of high spec products from across the industry from small independent producers to the big players.

“A huge thanks to all those who entered and congratulations to all winners. It was a very successful evening and great to see all the poultry industry come together for the first time for an awards event.”