A host of food and drink industry figures have been recognised in the New Year honours list.
Among them, Glenrath Farms founder John Campbell has been awarded a Knighthood for his services to farming and charitable entrepreneurship.
Based in Scottish border town Peebles, Glenrath Farms supplies all of the major multiples with branded eggs including the Kitty Campbell’s and Big and Scottish brands.
“I’m just a farmer,” Campbell told The Grocer.
“It’s a great honour for myself, my wife, my family, the company and, of course, the farming industry because farmers don’t get recognised very often these days and especially not at this level.”
Campbell was awarded an OBE in 2000 and is hoping to celebrate the new achievement at a party with friends, family and colleagues.
“This is the supreme accolade,” said Campbell. “I’m up beside Andy Murray. I hope he’ll be there at the Palace the same day as I am because he’s done a fantastic lot for Scotland and the rest of the UK.”
Defra food and farming director Sarah Church was awarded the Companions of the Order of the Bath for services to British food and farming, Dunbia deputy chief Tony O’Neill was awarded an OBE for services to the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland and MD of Willowbrook Foods William McCann received an MBE for services to the food industry and community in Northern Ireland.
Church joined Defra in 2004 as a deputy director and is responsible for delivering the 25-year plan for food and farming and the Common Agriculture Policy in England.
O’Neill is chairman of the Agri-Food Strategy Board and before joining Dunbia held roles at Nestlé, Premier Foods and Moy Park.
“I feel very privileged to receive this accolade for services to the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland,” said O’Neill.
“I have worked in the industry for over 20 years and it is something I feel very passionate about. The agri-food sector is not only a crucial part of our economy, it also makes a very important contribution to society overall, and I am committed to helping the industry reach its full potential.”
McCann established produce processor Willowbrook Foods from his family farm in 1968 and the company now has sales of £22m and employs more than 90 people.
CEO of Good Food Matters Evelyn Findlater was awarded an OBE for services to young people and other MBE winners include chairman of Farmhouse Biscuits for services to the food industry and MD of Cofresh Snack foods Priyesh Patel for services to the economy in Leicestershire.
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