The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) has been named Best Trade Organisation at this year’s Food Management Today Industry Awards, marking a major recognition of our continued leadership, innovation and advocacy for the frozen food sector.

 

This is the second time BFFF has received the prestigious accolade, having previously won in 2023. The award, which celebrates excellence across the UK’s food manufacturing and retail industries, is voted for by industry peers and reflects our outstanding work in representing the interests of its members and driving the frozen food agenda forward.

 

The 2025 Food Management Today Industry Awards took place on June 26 in London and brought together leading names from across the sector to honour innovation, service and performance.

 

Rupert Ashby, chief executive of the BFFF, said: “We are honoured to be named Best Trade Organisation again. This award is a testament to the passion, expertise and commitment of our entire team and membership. Over the past year, we’ve continued to champion the benefits of frozen food, influence policy, and provide real value to our members through events, insight and advocacy.

 

“Frozen food has a huge amount to offer in terms of offering people nutritious, affordable and convenient meal solutions – with an increasingly impressive diversity of choice and level of quality – as well as helping cut food waste. We’re incredibly proud to be the industry’s flag bearer at a time when it’s so important that we shout about these benefits.”

 

The award comes at a time of change for the frozen food industry, as supply chain disruption and regulatory change continue to cause challenges, and a potential move away from the long-established temperature standard of -18 degrees could be around the corner. The BFFF has been a key source of insight and support for businesses right across the frozen food supply chain.

Dr Andy Kemp FIH MBE, Executive Director at Bidfood – one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers – will retire at the end of June after more than 20 years with the business and a remarkable career spanning over four decades.

Widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in UK Foodservice and Hospitality, Andy’s retirement marks the end of a pioneering career that has left a lasting impact on the industry.

Recently named Outstanding Supplier Personality of the Year at The Caterer’s Supplier Awards, Andy is celebrated not only for his commercial leadership, but also for his unwavering commitment to social impact – from tackling food insecurity to nurturing the next generation of industry talent.

During his tenure, Andy has been instrumental in shaping Bidfood’s customer and community strategies, spearheading initiatives with government, education providers, and charities that have driven positive, transformative change across the UK.

Since joining Bidfood in 2000, he has championed critical issues such as holiday hunger, universal infant free school meals, and nutritional standards in Education. His tireless campaigning has helped secure better outcomes for vulnerable children while pushing for systemic improvement within public sector catering.

Beyond his work at Bidfood, Andy has been a dedicated supporter of industry charities including Springboard and Hospitality Action. He has played a pivotal role in the Chaine des Rôtisseurs’ Young Chefs and Young Sommeliers’ National Awards, earning the organisation’s highest honour, Paré de Chaine. He also supports FutureChef, the Michael Caines Academy, and is co-founder and Board member of the One and All Foundation.

A particular point of pride in Andy’s career has been serving as the grantee and Royal Household liaison for Bidfood’s Royal Warrant of Appointment – an honour the company has held for over 25 years. Reappointed by His Majesty King Charles III in December 2024, the Warrant recognises Bidfood’s excellence in supplying the Royal Household. Andy recently passed the grantee responsibility to Bidfood UK CEO, Andrew Selley.

While he is stepping back from his executive role, Andy will remain a passionate advocate for the sector through his ongoing work with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), the Local Authority Catering Association (LACA), and the University of West London.

Gavin Squires, currently Business Development Controller for Healthcare, Education and Consortia, will continue to build on Andy’s legacy, championing better funding and support for school meals and holiday hunger in the education sector.

Looking ahead to more time with his wife and family, Andy leaves behind a powerful legacy that will continue to shape the future of the Hospitality industry.

Commenting on his retirement, Andy said:

“It’s been an extraordinary journey – one that’s taken me from the shop floor to the corridors of Parliament, always with a passion for making a difference.

“I’ve been privileged to work alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring people in this industry, and to fight for causes that truly matter – from child nutrition to supporting future talent.

“The foodservice sector is more than a job; it’s a community, a family, and a force for good. I feel incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved together.”

Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidfood UK, said:

“Andy has been a key figure in our business and one of our longest-serving directors, as well as a passionate advocate for the wider industry.

“His dedication and influence extend far beyond Bidfood. He’s been a voice for fairness, nutrition, and education. We’re incredibly grateful for everything he’s achieved and proud to have worked alongside him. We wish him a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.”

ENDS

 

For further information, please contact: Olly White, Senior PR Executive, Bidfood

T: 07514313535 or E: oliverwhite@bidfood.co.uk

 

About Bidfood

As one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, we share our customers’ passion for great food.

But our passion doesn’t stop there. We are also 100% dedicated to delivering service excellence to help our customers succeed and grow.

 

• Our over 10,000 strong product range includes the best of both own brand and leading foodservice brands.
• Our 27 depots, soon to be 28, operating right across the UK allow us to offer a truly unique local service – and the majority of our depot teams are no more than 80 miles away from their customers.
• We offer a comprehensive range of over 250 carefully selected wines, beers, ciders and spirits.
• We don’t stop at just food and drink. We also provide a range of quality catering equipment, from cutlery to cookware, cleaning and disposables.

 

www.bidfood.co.uk / 01494 555 900