Earlier this month at the Leading Edge convention, we announced the shortlists for the Danone Leading Edge Leading Light Award.

Designed to help celebrate remarkable talent in the food and grocery industry, this award recognises those that have gone the extra mile and made a real difference to their company, the industry or to Leading Edge during the past year.

This year, four finalists were shortlisted for the award:
 

Tom Benton - Head of Commercial, Little Dish

Tom developed a new data analysis system which positioned Little Dish - a small, independent food company - as 'Category Captain' in the Kids Chilled Meals Category in under a year.

Tom's supporter said:

Tom has been instrumental in helping Little Dish overcome the challenges associated with creating a new category in the grocery sector. Tom is innovative, commercially minded and performance driven, and this unique combination has directly contributed to the company’s annual growth and success.
 

Victoria Burgess - Field Sales Manager, Cadbury UK

Victoria led and directed a project to design an innovative way of displaying and storing Cadbury’s products in pubs.

Victoria’s supporter said:

Vicky unlocked a potentially massive opportunity. She persevered through, and thought creatively around problems others would have deemed ‘too difficult’ and abandoned. All the while absorbing feedback from everyone she engaged to come up with a really viable commercial solution that key stakeholders bought into.
 

Emma Sundt - Business Development Manager, Fairtrade Foundation

Emma led the development and execution of the Fairtrade Foundation’s strategy to engage the grocery industry in 'Fairtrade Fortnight', the Foundation's major annual campaign.

Emma’s supporter said:

Emma demonstrated a broad range of leadership and core commercial skills, and tireless energy and enthusiasm in managing the roll-out of Fairtrade Fortnight to the food and beverage sector. This made a significant contribution to the overall impact of Fairtrade Fortnight to raise awareness of The FAIRTRADE Mark and contribute to improved incomes for developing country farmers and their communities.
 

Andy Walsh - Horeca Customer Manager, Makro Cash & Carry UK

Andy was at the forefront of the team which launched the Makro 'Love the Pub' campaign in 2008, offering publicans solutions to help them drive down costs and increase margins.

Andy's supporter said:

Thanks to Andy, a simple idea quickly emerged into something significant. What has impressed me most has been the way Andy has approached his work. He has shown the art of the possible with dogged determination and commitment plus an immense sense of humour along with a highly collaborative style of leadership.
 

The winner revealed

The winner will be announced at this evening's ceremony for IGD's Food Industry Awards. The winner will also be presented with a cheque for £2,000.

Watch the Leading Edge website to find out which finalist scoops the award!