Women in Meat Awards set to reveal 2019 results

Posted on Aug 21, 2019

The eagerly awaited Women in Meat Industry Awards ceremony and dinner will take place on 15th November in London. The glamorous night of celebration will reveal all the category winners plus the coveted Meat Businesswoman of the Year Award.

Pictured: L-R: Graham Yandell, chairman and the Women in Meat Industry Awards judging panel comprising, John Howard, Christine Walsh, Keith Fisher and Claire Holland.

This year’s 36 finalists are once again of the highest calibre and all remain in the running for each of the nine main categories.

The category winners are awarded a top spot based on reader / industry voting and in addition, a judging panel recently assembled behind closed doors to consider which of the category winners will be presented with the overall Meat Businesswoman of the Year Award.

Judges’ comments

The manager of Q Guild Butchers, Claire Holland, and one of this year’s judges commented: “What a pleasure it was to judge such an amazing group of talented ladies. It was a real challenge for us to decide who should win overall, as they were all worthy winners. Reading through their list of achievements I feel the businesses they work in and the industry should be proud to have such talent on its side. “

Whilst Institute of Meat chief executive, Keith Fisher, said: “These highly innovative awards have shone a much-needed spotlight on some fantastic talent and the diversity of roles available. It highlights what has and is being achieved, which is a credit not just to the worthy finalists highlighted, but to so many others across our industry who do a brilliant job day in and day out.”

Christine Walsh head of transitional support at AHDB added: “It is not surprising how quickly women have become so influential in our industry. Today we were introduced to some of the highest achievers. What was surprising was how difficult it was to make a choice as all our candidates would make fantastic ambassadors for the meat industry.”

Summing up, John Howard another judge who has over 30 years of experience in the UK meat industry at senior management level commented: “Once again, the judges had a well-nigh impossible task in choosing a winner from an excellent field of candidates. How refreshing it is to see that all areas of our industry, which has traditionally been regarded as a male preserve, are attracting the women of the highest quality to develop their careers.”

Celebrity host

Graham Yandell, publisher of Meat Management magazine, who chaired the judging panel concluded: “We are really excited about this initiative and I am particularly delighted that TV broadcaster and celebrity Katie Derham will be joining us in London to help host the Awards dinner on 15th November.

“Her interview in last month’s edition of Meat Management was most revealing. For example, it was great to learn that she has been on a butchery course herself and is an ambassador for quality, sustainably produced meat – with steak a firm favourite! Good for you Katie!”

The Women in Meat Industry Awards black tie ceremony and after dinner party takes place on 15th November at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, London. Limited tickets and tables are still available but selling fast. To book your tickets click here

Visit womeninmeatawards.com for more information where you can also read more about all the 2019 finalists and view a short film and picture gallery from 2018.