2025 Women In Meat Industry Awards winners revealed

Individuals, including those working in the manufacturing, retailing, processing, foodservice, trade body and training sectors were recognised, both as finalists and category winners.

There was a palpable buzz in the air as an excited meat industry came together at the 5-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London for the annual Women In Meat Industry Awards dinner and ceremony, which celebrate the outstanding contributions that women make to the sector.

Top impressionist Rory Bremner hosted this year’s ceremony together with actor, broadcaster and writer Julie Peasgood, both presenting the 2025 category winners with certificates or trophies, and entertaining guests during the evening.

The presentations concluded with the prestigious Meat Businesswoman of the Year accolade, which was awarded to Michelle White of Dawn Meats following the recent voting and judging process. Michelle also won the Manufacturing category award. Rachel Barnwell of Aubrey Allen Ltd was presented with the 2025 Rising Star Award.

This year, a surprise special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Christine Walsh, the CEO of the Food & Drink Training & Education Council (ftc).

Having previously worked at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the Red Meat Industry Forum and MLCSC, Christine took over as chief executive of ftc in 2022, and remains in post today.

Christine commented: “I was totally overwhelmed and surprised by this award and was delighted to receive it. The Women In Meat Industry Awards offers a much-needed recognition of the wealth of talent we have in the meat industry and it has been a pleasure to be part of it.”

Click to reveal the 2025 winners:

The overall Meat Businesswoman of the Year, Michelle White of Dawn Meats commented: “I am honoured to receive this important accolade and offer my congratulations to all the category winners and finalists. We at Dawn Meats and Dunbia have supported the Women In Meat Industry Awards from the outset and to win this award is outstanding. Thank you to the judges and to everyone who voted.”

Editor of Meat Management, Gwen Mostyn, added: “It is a delight to see so many women celebrated at the 2025 ceremony! It is vital that we continue to recognise the brilliant work of women in the meat sector, and it is clear to see that guests value the opportunity to attend this event in support of their friends and colleagues!”

Publisher of Meat Management magazine, which stages and organises the awards, Graham Yandell MBE, said: “This initiative and the awards ceremony goes from strength-to-strength. With over 9,000 votes this year the engagement from all across the industry is unique.

“It is a pleasure to celebrate the industry’s brightest stars as part of these awards. The atmosphere in the room tonight was incredible, and it was great to see winners and finalists, plus the award partners, come together and show their support for one another. This sector consistently needs talent, creativity and passion, and these ladies not only have it in abundance but are fantastic role models too!”

Thank you to the official 2025 WIMIA partners: