Foodservice packaging industry celebrates 2024’s Rising Stars at the FPA Awards

Thursday 07 March 2024: The industry’s brightest talent was celebrated by over 450 FPA members and guests from across the foodservice packaging industry during the Foodservice Packaging Association’s (FPA) annual awards at The Grand, Brighton.

Sponsored by AV International Solutions, judged by the FPA board, and announced by FPA Awards host, political satirist Rory Bremner, the Rising Star Awards recognise young people working within the foodservice packaging industry who have shown exceptional promise and talent in their respective fields.

“We were delighted by the number and quality of the Rising Star nominees this year”, says executive chairman of the FPA Mark Byrne. “It’s really encouraging to see so much exciting young talent already making an impact on our industry, and forging careers within the sector. These young Rising Stars are the future of foodservice packaging”.

Winners, finalists, and the companies they work for are listed below.

Winner: Bethan Williams
Company: Vegware

Highly Commended: Erika Martin
Company: NCCO

Highly Commended: Harley Penn
Company: 4 Aces

Finalist: Abigail Jones
Company: i2r Packaging

Finalist: Faith Henderson
Company: Bidfood

Finalist: Joshua Wood
Company: Cromwell

Finalist: George Rebello
Company: Go-Pak

Finalist: Adrienne Wheeler
Company: Go-Pak

Finalist: Nick Mathers
Company: kp

As the 2024 Rising Star winner, Bethan will have the opportunity to study for a Packaging Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship on a part-time basis through Sheffield Hallam University. The cost of the degree is funded through the Employer Apprenticeship Scheme and the FPA will make a financial contribution to cover ancillary costs, such as travel and accommodation.

“I was completely thrilled to be nominated and shortlisted for the FPA Rising star Award, let along to be given the award”, adds Bethan. It was a night to remember and I am looking forward to completing the Packaging Professional qualification at Sheffield Hallam”.

Ends

Notes to editors

Further information about each Rising Star can be found on the FPA’s Award website at https://fpa-awards.org.uk/rising-star-award Images of Bethan Williams being presented with her trophy, and Erika Martin and Harley Penn being presented with their certificates, are available on request from Louise Holmes, FPA Media & Communications: 07909 728069 or email louise@foodservicepackaging.org.uk

About the Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) https://foodservicepackaging.org.uk

The Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) is a leading trade body, representing organisations associated with the foodservice packaging industry. Its membership includes both large global companies and smaller businesses – offering a broad range of foodservice products and services – together with organisations responsible for the waste collection, processing and recycling of foodservice packaging.

The FPA’s mission is to showcase innovation and provide a unified voice to advance and promote the foodservice packaging industry through advocacy and education. The annual FPA Exhibition and Awards celebrate members’ achievements and innovations; FPA Environment Seminars bring together high-level speakers from governments, industry and academia – allowing members to engage directly with policy makers and thought leaders; and the FPA’s weekly Digest disseminates complex issues, translating them into plain English to keep members informed of recent and upcoming legislation; environmental and sustainable issues; and the views and activities of relevant NGOs and other sector bodies.

The FPA upholds the interests of its members when meeting with UK government, the devolved administrations, NGOs and other trade associations. Its executives sit on a number of steering groups, including: the DRS industry working group; the HMRC industry working group for the plastics tax; and the steering group for overall Defra reforms.

The FPA is committed to promoting sustainable practices and responsible stewardship of the environment. All FPA members undertake to comply with the FPA Code of Practice, confirming that their organisations operate to the highest standards.