Celebrating our Hero Growers!

Added on 11 May 2023

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The cost of living crisis, growing expenses, a lack of available manpower, and unusually unpredictable weather have all wreaked havoc on growers and their crops in the UK and around the globe, making this era among the most difficult in recent memory.

The most capable, however, have emerged victorious, and the Fresh Produce Consortium plans to honour them at this year's Fresh Awards, a prestigious event that has become widely known as the Oscars of the fresh produce industry.

Last year FPC added numerous additional categories to the Fresh Awards, two of the most notable of which are UK Grower of the Year and International Grower of the Year.

"UK growers of fresh produce, cut flowers, and plants are among the very best in the world," said Nigel Jenney, chief executive of FPC. "Their perseverance, creativity, excellence, and quality in both service and output set them apart.

"The establishment of these awards recognises and emphasises the contributions of our outstanding British producers and those of our neighbours, overseas."

The FPC has issued a call for submissions for the categories, with June 30 as the cut-off date for nominating a leader in the field (or proposing yourself, if you're a grower). There will be one ultimate prize winner, but the FPC's black-tie gala at London's Grosvenor House will celebrate all of the competitors.

So, how will the finalists be distinguished from the rest? In order to optimise efficiency and profitability, FPC reveals that the candidates will have "an essential blend of flexibility, collaboration, and innovation."

"They need to show that they can effectively manage a team and lead by example," explains Events and Marketing Manager Emma Glanville.

"Growers may enter or be entered in more than one category, and they can come from anywhere in the UK or across the globe.

"The awards celebrate and promote those organisations, teams, projects, technologies and individuals who continue to help shape the future of our industry," she adds.

Click here to enter the FPC Fresh Awards 2023.