Time is running out to vote for Clarke, Warsi or the other four contenders: Judy Buttriss, director general, British Nutrition Foundation, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, TV personality and chef, James Lambert, chief executive R&R Ice Cream, or Levi Roots, food entrepreneur.
Meanwhile, here’s a quick reminder of why the contenders were nominated.
Judy Buttriss: As well as leading a charity dedicated to raising public awareness about the science of nutrition, Buttriss is a high-profile ambassador for the BNF itself. Under her leadership, the organisation has expanded its reach – working with teachers in schools.
Michael Clarke: Clarke has won the respect of City analysts for his rescue plan for debt-laden food giant Premier Foods. His policy of disposing on non-core businesses and focusing on eight so-called Power Brands, while dealing with a damaging botulism outbreak linked to Loyd Grossman sauce, seems to be paying off. With Clarke at the helm, reviving Premier was definitely “not mission impossible,” one analyst concluded.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall: Earlier this year the TV chef lead a high-profile campaign to ban fish discards based on his Channel 4 TV seriesFish Fight. More than 650,000 people signed his petition including celebrity supporters Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais and Jeremy Paxman. In June, EU fisheries ministers reached agreement on ending fish discards.
James Lambert: Yorkshire farmer turned ice cream magnate aims to build an ice cream business to rival market leader Unilever in Europe. Successive acquisitions – including Eskigel in Italy last week – is keeping the firm on course to achieve that objective. In addition to acquisitions, Lambert has forged key partnerships with firms such as Kraft Foods and Nestlé.
Levi Roots: Founder of the Reggae Reggae brand, Levi Roots has carved out a reputation as an approachable food entrepreneur, who is grounded in his south London community. His growing portfolio includes chilled meals, snacks, soft drinks and pasties. High on his list of priorities for this year is cracking the US market.
Perween Warsi: From Derby housewife to Curry Queen, Perween Warsi is the boss of a £70M turnover ethnic meals business employing 600 people. Warsi is also a passionate champion for women in UK business through her involvement with the London based organisation Everywoman.
The winner will be presented with his or her award at the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards to be staged at the Hilton Hotel, London on November 5 – bonfire night. It promises to be a real cracker.
