The FPC Fresh Awards 2023, were hosted on the 29th September at the esteemed Grosvenor House Hotel in London, saw its largest-ever attendance, making it a night to remember.
Presented by Celebrity Food Writer Jay Rayner, the evening was a grand celebration of the creme de la creme of the fresh produce industry. One of the most anticipated accolades of the night was the Manager of the Year Award, graciously sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, which was bestowed upon Emma Dawes of Driscoll’s UK. Emma Dawes has enjoyed a lengthy and illustrious career within the firm, previously known as Berry Gardens and now operating as Driscoll’s UK. As Head of Finance, Emma has been a cornerstone of stability, steering her team through various transitions with resolve, hard graft, loyalty, and pragmatism. She was pivotal in the intricate acquisition of Berry Gardens by Driscoll’s, showcasing unmatched expertise, discretion, professionalism, and responsiveness. Emma has instilled a newfound level of consistency and reliability within her team, implementing new processes and controls, introducing fresh talent, and influencing the broader business with a finance-first approach to problem-solving and governance. The judges remarked, “Emma clearly embodies the core values of Berry Gardens and is seamlessly leading her department into Driscoll’s new era.”