The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has announced the nominees for this year's FDF Awards, which celebrate exceptional talent, excellence and innovation in the food and drink industry.

More than 200 nominees have been announced across 19 categories, including one that is new to this year.

This year, the awards ceremony will mark the introduction of a new Manufacturing Initiative award, which credits companies which have implemented new technology or manufacturing processes to improve energy usage, efficiency, cost or quality.

Commenting on the shortlisted companies, chief executive of the FDF, Karen Betts said:

“The judges had an invidious task in choosing winners from an extremely strong field – from companies driving new sustainability initiatives to championing employee wellbeing, as well as embracing new technologies and supporting cutting-edge skills development in their teams. 

"Good luck to all the brilliant nominees.”

A sample of the official shortlist

Apprentice of the Year

Business Resilience

Education Initiative

Environmental Leadership 

Exporter of the Year

HR Initiative 

Product Innovation

Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist of the Year

Sustainable Packaging Initiative

The full list is on the FDF website.

The awards, to be hosted by celebrity restaurant critic Jay Rayner, will be taking place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on September 15.