Trio in food final
A food hygiene firm which trains caterers on oil rigs in Kazakhstan, a dessert manufacturer, and a company with a new range of ready meals are the Wigan-based contenders for the prestigious Food Northwest Awards 2009.
The trio have been shortlisted for top gongs in a competition now in its fourth year which acknowledges companies from all areas of the industry, including food retail and service, wholesale, catering, distribution, food processing and agriculture.
This year's awards focus on the theme 'Inspiration and Innovation' and highlight the best practice initiatives and achievements
Shevington-based Advanced Food Safety, which last year trained catering teams on oil rigs in the former Soviet state of Kazakhstan, has seen its business go from strength to strength, with profits increasing by more than 50 per cent from 2008 to 2009.
The company is short-listed in two categories – the Food Northwest Award for Innovation and the UKTI Award for International Trade.
Director Russell Parry, who has already won a clutch of honours with his company, said: "Advanced Food Safety now exports to no fewer than 55 countries worldwide and innovation is high on its agenda."
Victoria Foods in Leigh has been manufacturing baking, dessert and drink mixes at its Leigh base for 26 years and despite the economic downturn, has seen a 20 per cent increase in its sales value during the last year.
It has been shortlisted for the Food Northwest Award for Skills.
Meanwhile, Hitchen Foods in Wigan, which this year launched a new range of fresh ready meals for Asda, is short-listed for the Food Northwest
Award for Corporate Social Responsibility and the Food Northwest Award for Innovation.
Paul Peachey says the firm, employing 950 people at its Wigan site, works with regional suppliers wherever possible, producing 150 prepared products to Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Waitrose and Co-op in their own label brands.
The winners will be announced on June 25.
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