Failte Foods_Unitasconncct

More than 650 suppliers, wholesalers and service providers gathered in Liverpool this week for the Unitas Connect Awards, the annual celebration of the “outstanding people, products, initiatives and achievements of the past year,” it says.

The event was hosted this year by TV presenter and comedian, Paddy McGuinness and followed the first day of the Unitas Wholesale trade show, connect25, which saw record attendance for the two-day event.

As always, during the event Unitas Wholesale collected money for its chosen charity, Bluebell Wood, a Doncaster-based children’s hospice, raising more than £20,000 on the night.

This year’s award winners are…

FOODSERVICE MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Failte Foods (pictured)

Sponsored by Tate & Lyle

MEMBER’S EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Jay Gore, Robinsons

Sponsored by Molson Coors

RISING STAR OF THE YEAR: Lee Bindley, Regal Wholesale

Sponsored by Molson Coors

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY AWARD: JW Filshill

Sponsored by CCEP

DIGITAL INNOVATION AWARD: Direct Line Supplies

Sponsored by Carlsberg Britvic

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AWARD: Wanis International

Sponsored by Weetabix

STANDARD AND SPECIALIST MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Regal Wholesale

Sponsored by Inspire Field Marketing

ON TRADE MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Small Beer

Sponsored by Britvic

RETAIL MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Parfetts

Sponsored by Nestle Confectionery

Additional Supplier Awards:

Foodservice own brand product of the year: Whitby Seafoods Ltd – CK Breaded Scampi

Retail own brand product of the year: Aston Manor Brewery – Black Storm 500ml

Brand campaign of the year: Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I – Blucozade Campaign

Service provider of the year: TWC Group

On-trade supplier of the year: Molson Coors Brewing Company

Foodservice supplier of the year: Unilever Food Solutions

Licensed supplier of the year: Concha Y Toro UK

Impulse supplier of the year: KP Snacks Ltd

Grocery supplier of the year: Princes Foods Ltd