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Leading food-to-go and fresh produce business Freshtime was crowned Pioneer in the Community at the 10th annual Co-op Pioneer Awards. Pictured second in from the left: Mel Miles, Head of Agronomy and Corporate Social Responsibility and Managing Director Steve Evans collect the award from Anita Rani.
Freshtime was also recognised by the Co-op as one of its 2017 ethical trade champions, for its exemplary ways of working with them. Pictured: The Co-op policy team with Freshtime's Head of Agronomy and Corporate Social Responsibility Mel Miles (second in from the left), Ethical Trade Officer Rick Fletcher and Head of HR Jo Campling (second in from the right).
Freshtime

Freshtime Crowned Co-op Community Champions

Leading food-to-go and fresh produce business Freshtime has been recognised for its extensive work in the community at the 10th annual Co-op Pioneer Awards.

The Boston-based company was awarded Pioneer in the Community at the ceremony, which was held at Manchester Central Convention Complex on Thursday 14th September.

Over the last decade, the awards have become established as a key date in the industry’s event calendar and recognise the achievements of the Co-op’s partners and suppliers.

Freshtime’s work in the community includes that of its charity, the Freshtime Futures Trust – launched in 2016 to help young people in Lincolnshire achieve their ambitions.

The company also works closely with schools in Boston and has been running the Freshtime Fun Club since 2014, during which time a dedicated team has delivered interactive and educational sessions to over 2,000 pupils.

Together with Boston Borough Council, the business hosts dedicated housing workshops to combat rogue landlords and supports Lincolnshire Police with community workshops, sharing intelligence data regarding modern slavery and community issues.

Another way in which Freshtime supports the wider community is through media outreach: for the last three years, it has sponsored categories in the national Cross Sports Book Awards and the Lincolnshire Life Taste of Excellence Awards.

Most recently, it has also worked with cook and food writer Dominic Franks and Lincolnshire-based triathlete and para-cyclist Liz McTernan.

Steve Evans, Managing Director of Freshtime, attended the awards ceremony with his colleague Mel Miles, Head of Agronomy and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Steve said: “Helping the community is incredibly important to everyone at Freshtime and we are so humbled by this award win; it’s fantastic to be recognised for our efforts by one of our key customers.

“We’ve come a long way with our community initiatives, but I am keen to explore ways in which we can develop them and encourage the team to actively seek even more opportunities for us.”

Freshtime was also recognised by the Co-op as one of its 2017 ethical trade champions, for its exemplary ways of working with them and its proactive and holistic approach to ethical trade which is centred around worker welfare.

Last year the business appointed an Ethical Trade Officer for the first time, as part of its ongoing commitment to raising ethical standards within the food industry.

Rick Fletcher, who has been in the role since October 2016, said: “I am delighted that Freshtime has been recognised as a supplier that particularly stands out when it comes to ethics, especially within my first year here.

“We have been placed in the same league as some other outstanding companies and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”

For more information about Freshtime, please visit: www.freshtime.co.uk

Ends

Notes to Editors:
Freshtime, based in Boston, Lincolnshire was created in 1993 by farmer co-operative ELGRO (East Lincolnshire Growers). In 2000 there was a management-led buy-out.
• In recent years more than £14 million has been invested in Freshtime’s purpose-built 82,500 square feet site in Boston to develop the company’s production capabilities.
• Freshtime produces over 170 different product lines, from stir fry and vegetables to couscous and pasta salads, deli fillers, soups and dips.
• Freshtime was included in The Grocer’s Fast 50 list of growing food businesses in November 2012 and 2013.
• For more information visit www.freshtime.co.uk

For media information contact:
Zoe Lamb
Account Executive
Shooting Star
01522 528540
zoe@weareshootingstar.co.uk
[Freshtime79PioneerAwards]


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