Featured in the short-list are Gareth Chambers, CEO of Newry based food-to-go company Around Noon, Hannah Rodgers account manager at prepared salads, soups and sauces company Avondale, and Mark Davidson from family run egg producer, Ballygarvey Eggs.
Other finalists include Danielle Mitchell, sales and marketing executive with Loughgall vegetable grower and packer, Gilfresh Produce, Tim Graham, sales and marketing manager of Dromore cakes, pastries and biscuits supplier, Mash Direct’s Lance Hamilton and Craigavon based Simplyfruit operations director, Connor McCann.
Now in its sixth year, the special awards ceremony takes place on May 18 at the Balmoral Show, when alongside the Young Agri-Food Innovator winner, trophies and highly commended certificates will be presented to winners across six further categories.
Awards categories include, Own Brand Supplier of the Year and the Tomorrow Matters Award, Product Innovation Award, Excellence in Regional Delivery and Overall Supplier of the Year. An additional new award, Contribution to Agri-Food Industry will celebrate a person or company that has contributed over and above to the local industry.
Commenting on the range of high calibre entries, Neal Kelly, Fresh Foods Director at Henderson Group said, “The Fresh Innovation Awards help spotlight our hugely diverse and extensive portfolio of local suppliers who year on year provide exceptional products and new ranges for our customers.
“This year we decided to rebrand to the Fresh Innovation Awards to reflect how our suppliers are constantly creating new ways of producing fresh food to meet our retailer and shopper demands for local, fresh and convenient food offerings.
“I’d like to thank each of the companies who entered and demonstrated their excellent achievements and innovations. I would also pay tribute to our judges who were extremely impressed by the quality and consistently high standard of entries making the judging process a challenging but rewarding one.
“I look forward to welcoming everyone who entered to our awards breakfast on Friday, 18 May when Jo Scott, presenter of BBC Northern Ireland’s Home Ground will MC proceedings and the all-important announcements will be made.”
SPAR Northern Ireland owned by the Henderson Group, is once again supporting the Balmoral Show as a Platinum Sponsor during its 150th year.
SPAR has been a sponsor since 2010 and will return this year with a feast of family fun to enjoy at the enjoy local marquee and arena, with taste testing, shoot outs with the Belfast Giants, and performances and entertainment in the SPAR Arena.
Patrick Doody, Henderson Group Sales & Marketing Director added; “At Balmoral Show, we wrap up everything our brand is about and bring it to the Show for visitors to enjoy. This is the biggest event in the agri calendar, so it is important for us to be here to communicate our passion for local.
Henderson Group's Neale Kelly and BBC presenter Jo Scott