Meet the 2025 shortlisted nominees…

Lead Baker/Counter Assistant
W. Reid Butchers

Alison has shown great resilience in her role and has mastered her craft perfectly; she has trained a new employee excellently and has proven countless times how reliable she is and that she is a key member of the W. Reid team. She is known for making beautiful pies and takes great pride in producing hundreds each week to an extremely high standard. Her proposer says: “We would be lost without Alison and are very grateful she works with us.”

Owner
Becky’s Butchers

A previous Rising Star category winner in the 2021 Women In Meat Industry Awards, Becky is the proprietor of an outstanding independent butchers, which is expanding each year. Becky goes well above the standard and knows her cuts of meat. The service that she and her team give is described as first class. She is always introducing new ideas for using meat and all meat sold comes either from her family farm or other nearby farms, and the business is known for its quality local produce.

Shop Manager and Head of Sales and Social Media
Martins Meats

Having only recently trained as a butcher at the age of 42, mum-of-six Natasha (known as Tash) has demonstrated exceptional drive and innovation in overseeing the opening of the businesses new retail outlet. Under her leadership, the team has achieved a significant growth in sales, expanding its customer base through strategic marketing, engaging social media campaigns and developing links with community groups, as well as working with local colleges to inspire the next generation of women and chefs.

Butcher/Manager
Hussey’s Quality Butchers Ltd

Aimee originally started as a shop assistant and was keen and interested in the business from day one. She was enrolled for an apprenticeship at Walthamstow College under Mr Roy Humm. She passed in July 2022, and then went on to pass her driving test, enabling her to go to Smithfield Market and to visit other suppliers. She is responsible for manufactured products and takes control of outside catering, providing hog roasts, BBQs and more. She also runs the retail sector of the business to a high standard.

Senior Manager – Own Brand Quality and Technical
ASDA

Working with some of the biggest meat suppliers in the UK, Suzanne is consistently mentoring and supporting her team to bring through the next generation of meat professionals. She also reacts instantly to food safety or quality issues to ensure ASDA customers never feel disappointed. This is all in a day’s work for Suzanne. Her proposer adds: “Asda is so fortunate to have such an amazing colleague, who leaves a positive and thoughtful impression on everyone she meets.”

Brand Manager
SPAR

Hannah is an integral member of the SPAR development team working on the fresh and frozen categories. Her nomination confirms that the quality of her work is exemplary, and she has transformed the meat category through ensuring the retailer is delivering high-quality products, innovative ranges and flavour profiles across the range from slow-cooked meats to sausages.

Senior National Account Manager
Sofina Foods Europe

Alice consistently goes above and beyond in supporting her retail accounts, demonstrating exceptional dedication and passion. She plays a pivotal role in managing some of the largest accounts, achieving outstanding results through her strategic approach and commitment to excellence. Alice works seamlessly with operations, ensuring collaboration drives success at every level. Her ability to exceed expectations, build strong relationships, and deliver results makes her an invaluable asset.

Technical and Sustainability Director
Myton Food Group

Sophie is leading the Morrisons Net Zero Agriculture programme, which is a multifaceted industry-leading approach to improving the sustainability of its supply chain. This has included the launch of the first school of sustainable farming in the UK in what is described as a “world-first partnership” between Morrisons, Harper Adams, McDonalds and the NFU. She has also launched tree advisors to help farmers plant trees in the right place and a support scheme to help farmers achieve net zero by 2030.

Contract Production Manager
Avara Foods Ltd

Hannah is a passionate advocate for British broiler farmers and women in poultry. She co-founded a UK-wide network to support and develop women’s technical skills in the industry. Committed to driving marginal gains across all areas of poultry, she leads with integrity, ambition and inclusivity, while balancing a busy home life and career. Put forward as a true trailblazer, Hannah sets a powerful example for her daughter and others, and she is undoubtedly a future leader in the sector.

General Sales Manager – Turkey
Avara Foods

Avara foods is one of the UK’s largest food businesses, supplying chicken, turkey and duck to the nation’s most popular supermarkets and restaurants. Catriona has worked in the turkey business for more than 30 years and typifies the company’s ethos and responsibility to make a positive impact on the world and to be passionate about doing things sustainably and ethically. Catriona asserts that turkey mince, sausages, burgers and meatballs aren’t simply an alternative to red meat; they’re delicious in their own right!

Business Development Manager
Pilgrim’s Europe

Beatriz has achieved first-ever access and sales into new international markets for the UK poultry industry covering Japan, Mongolia and Vietnam. Working with Defra, DAERA, DIT, Invest NI, BPC and foreign authorities to lift trade barriers, Beatriz has demonstrated leadership in developing global market access, driving collaboration across government and industry. She is now focused on unlocking future markets and converting this access into further commercial success.

Sales Manager
Meatline

Meatline, based at Maldon, Essex, describes itself as the original meat outlet store. Not only does the business supply pubs and restaurants but also offers a custom-built retail shop on its premises to provide customers with restaurant-quality meats at what it says are below supermarket prices. Hayley’s passion is her customers, her proposer said she is continually winning business and retaining it week, after week, after week.

Business Controller
Danish Crown UK

Alesha’s proposer asserts that her dedication to and extensive knowledge of Danish Crown is inspiring, saying she is always going above and beyond, not just for the business, but for her team as well, and adds: “We are very lucky to have her.” Another proposer added: “I only joined Danish Crown in March 2025. Despite my brief time with the company, as my direct manager, Alesha has been extremely supportive and committed to ensuring I thrive in my role.”

Director/Owner
John Gilmour Butchers

Teena is nominated by a number of proposers in recognition of her leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence in the meat industry. Under her guidance and support, her company has grown in scale and reputation while championing exacting standards. She continues to lead and expand a multi-generational company established nearly 70 years ago, preserving its values and traditions. Colleagues confirm that her strength and determination in facing both personal and professional challenges have been remarkable, and that she is deeply respected by those around her.

Group Technical Director
Cranswick plc

Jackie was also one of the founding committee members of the Meat Business Women (MBW) trade organisation. As group technical director she is responsible for the safety, quality, legality and authenticity of all food products supplied from Cranswick’s manufacturing sites in the UK. She looks after Cranswick’s technical team and is passionate about ensuring that the meat sector continues to be one in which females can develop and thrive.

Executive Assistant to the CEO
Sofina Foods Europe

As Executive Assistant to the CEO, Charlotte is at the heartbeat of daily operations supporting leadership, driving efficiency and ensuring seamless execution in a fast-paced, dynamic industry. She stays one step ahead, anticipating needs, solving problems and enabling strategic focus. Continuously learning and adapting, she brings calm to complexity and is a trusted team player across all functions. Her dedication, agility and behind-the-scenes impact make her stand out.

HSE Risk & Systems Business Partner
Pilgrim’s Europe

As an instrumental member of the HSE team, Cassie has worked passionately and tirelessly to roll out a new QUOR management system and embody safety as a condition culture at the business. Working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, she has singlehandedly trained more than 300 managers, built tailored systems for 23 production sites so far, and designed and edited numerous training videos translated into 13 languages. Her work is pivotal in avoiding and identifying accident root causes, taking corrective actions and keeping people safe every day.

Head of Operations
Sofina Foods Europe

Chantelle is a results-driven leader who’s known for driving continuous improvement, optimising labour and significantly improving yields. She has a respected voice among the executive team, she leads by example and fosters collaboration, always acting as a dedicated team player. Her passion for operational excellence is matched by her commitment to learning and growth, both personally and professionally. Through strategic thinking and hands on leadership, she consistently delivers measurable successes.

Technical Manager
Linden Retail (Dungannon)

Caoimhe has been instrumental in successfully guiding the technical department through a time of change by communicating a clear vision and fostering a collaborative, supportive work environment. Her consistent dedication to excellence has elevated and set new standards in the technical department and across the Dungannon retail site as a whole. Caoimhe continues to empower her team by setting clear expectations, supporting them with learning opportunities and encouraging them to take on new challenges.

HR Manager
Dunbia (Sawley)

Sarah is recognised as that special someone who is a great support for everyone who works at Dunbia. She is an extremely strong and capable woman who has been through some turbulent times but always comes to work in a very professional manor. She actively supports the reputation of the business and takes all aspects of her job extremely seriously.

Quality Manager
Dawn Meats

Nicole is quality manager at Dawn Meats. She first started in 2019 and has excelled over the last few years. Nicole is a great people person and has a pleasing personality, bringing energy and freshness into the FSQ team at Charleville. Nicole took over the managing of the whole EQMS system at the division and has worked very hard with all departments as part of implementing the system, training the production teams and undertaking all the follow-up work.

Technical Manager
Pilgrim’s Europe

Amy began her career on night shift as a quality leader in 2006 and has progressed to become technical manager at Pilgrim’s Europe. With 20 years in the meat industry, she now leads a 16-strong quality team, driving audit readiness, compliance and team development. A mentor and role model, Amy champions a culture in which women can feel empowered while balancing a thriving career with raising four young sons, demonstrating resilience, empathy, and outstanding leadership.

Director of Operations
ASDA (International Procurement and Logistics)

Tricia is passionate about mentoring and sharing her knowledge and leads her team in a supportive and challenging way. She has seen unprecedented change at ASDA over the last twelve months, and every challenge starts with the question: ‘How can we improve the shopping experience for our 16 million weekly customers?’ Tricia has demonstrated an incredible ability to instil total quality and food safety deep into the culture of the workplace, which is described as contagious among her colleagues.

Butcher
The Butcher The Baker

Hayley is described as a powerhouse in the butchery world – combining skill, speed and customer care. Her passion for quality, precision in her craft and ability to lead by example make her a standout in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Hayley brings heart, humour and excellence to every shift, inspiring both customers and colleagues daily. She doesn’t just do the job – she elevates it. A true asset to the business.

Trainee Master Butcher
ABP Guildford

Holly started as a ‘normal’ butcher on the production line, and then progressed to a line leader’s role. She is a talented and very ambitious candidate who has never stopped wanting more progression and, as a result, ABP has placed her on the Master Butchery Programme, which will enable her to contribute and help ABP push the business forward to the highest standard.

Butchery Counter Assistant
Strachan Craft Butchers

According to Strachan Craft Butchers Sarah is an outstanding young person who has a fantastic work ethic, pride in her work and provides excellent customer service. Her proposer adds: “She has taken our shop from strength to strength over the years, and she deserves recognition for her hard work and dedication. We are all very proud of Sarah.”

Technical Policy Manager
British Meat Processors Association (BMPA)

Nan has worked tirelessly over the last year to help members understand the technical issues around trade and employment. She has also been extremely proactive in engaging with Government agencies and civil servants to help them understand the issues and the challenges the meat industry faces due to policy changes, and how their actions and interpretations would help the industry and the Government. She is highly valued and respected by the membership.

Strategy Director
International Meat Trade Association (IMTA)

Katrina’s experience and knowledge of the industry is invaluable after spending several years working for a European trade association in Brussels before joining the IMTA team. Her attention to detail is essential in an era where members regularly face new rules and complexities. She is a team player and was very engaged in producing the ‘Carcase Balance Cards’ that IMTA have used to great effect to explain why the UK needs imports and exports.

Managing Director
National Craft Butchers (NCB)

A category winner in 2021 when working in the role of NCB membership secretary, as managing director of National Craft Butchers Eleanor has demonstrated leadership and commitment to retail butchery, the meat industry and her trade organisation. Launching new initiatives to involve existing members and attract new ones, her dedication has raised the profile of NCB. Eleanor’s ability to articulate the industry’s needs and advocate for its interests at Government level has earned her widespread respect and recognition.

(recently retired)
Institute of Meat (IoM)

Described as an astounding support to her husband Keith of the IoM, Mary retired from all her various roles in 2023. Over the decades, she has given outstanding service to the Meat & Livestock Commission (MLC), The Meat Training Council (MTC) and the Institute of Meat (IoM). Her proposer pointed out that whatever the outcome of voting in 2025, recognition of Mary is a fitting reward for an amazing lady with a very long-standing meat industry pedigree and a career dedicated to our trade.

Agri & Sustainability Lead
Dovecote Park Ltd

As agri and sustainability lead, Chloe combines practical farming experience with scientific insight to drive improvements in animal welfare and environmental performance across the supply chain. Raised on a family farm, she remains actively involved in cattle care, giving her a grounded perspective on agricultural realities. With a degree in environmental physics and an undergraduate dissertation on the future of sustainable British farming, Chloe brings a well-rounded, evidence-based approach to livestock management.

Senior Sustainability and Agricultural Manager
Danish Crown UK

Katie is currently working on initiatives to improve environmental impact across the supply chain to embed sustainable practices that will benefit both farmers and retailers. What truly sets Katie apart is her character. Katie is a positive, kind and collaborative force in Danish Crown, willing to share knowledge and support. Katie is also a highly effective mentor. She has been actively promoting women in meat, and her warm personality makes everyone feel welcome and inspired. Katie embodies driving innovation, championing sustainability and inspiring others.

Assistant Managing Director
Dovecote Park Ltd

Laurie is from a farming family in the Peak District. Living on a traditional upland suckler cow and sheep farm, with more 25 years’ experience, she has a practical knowledge of cattle husbandry and is passionate about sustainable livestock production. As the assistant managing director for Dovecote Park, she brings a wealth of experience and understands the complexities of producing great-quality beef in a sustainable way. She has been hugely successfully within this sector through hard work and dedication.

Owner and Farmer
Cheshire Prime Meats

Amelia heads a company that is not only a meat business but is also looking into the wider implications of an enriched Omega-3 diet. Cheshire Prime Meats produces spring lamb all year round with staggered lambing, and its lambs are at 80kg live weight within six months. Known for quality of beef and lamb prime cuts, freshly available throughout the year, Amelia is developing a business with great potential and is an example to encourage other farms to diversify into niche markets.

Site Director (Newbury)
Dalziel Ltd

Claire has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach that blends operational excellence with a strong commitment to sustainability, customer relationships and quality assurance. Her ability to navigate the challenges of the supply chain while delivering consistent results has earned her the respect of colleagues, clients and industry peers alike. She demonstrates integrity, professionalism and a collaborative spirit. Her impact goes far beyond her day-to-day role, and her work continues to inspire those around her.

Partner
Leonards Ingredients LLP

During the five years since Eleanor has been made Partner, following the sad death of her father, the company has expanded and grown year-on-year. Over the past four years, the business has seen an average of 20% growth each year, with a focus on quality and customer service being key factors, and Eleanor being a driving force behind this.

Head of Customer Success, Protein Optimise & Procurement
Foods Connected

Aislinn McGillion joined Foods Connected in October 2024 as head of customer success within the Procurement and Protein Optimisation division. Aislinn’s passion for continuous improvement, streamlined supply chains and data-driven decision-making complements her role to deliver expert consultancy and project support to Foods Connected customers. In the fast-paced, demanding and ever-changing meat industry, Aislinn’s focus, agility and commitment to simplicity and transparency consistently drives value for the clients that she supports.

Accounts
Pump Engineering

Vicki has been nominated for her outstanding contribution to engineering supply. She consistently delivers technical excellence, drives supply chain improvements and provides reliable support across complex projects. Her commitment to quality, innovation and client satisfaction sets her apart. As a leader and mentor, she actively supports women in engineering and promotes diversity in the industry. Her impact is measurable, and her standards are high.

Pig Unit Manager
Moss Valley Fine Meats

Karen runs the Povey Farm pig herd like clockwork. The unit has an outstanding antibiotic usage allowing the Moss Valley brand to use antibiotic reared free pork. She is already The Yorkshire Pig Farmer of the Year and shortlisted for the Farmers Weekly Pig Farmer of the Year. Her all-female staff produce fast-growing low-carbon-footprint pork. She also works with trainee vets year-round to teach them about pigs. 

Executive Assistant & Business Support
DB Foods

As well as giving daily clerical and practical support to the company’s senior directors, Susanna is a bedrock of stability, organisation and momentum for a wide number and variety of development projects. From managing office relocations, refurbishments and the creation of a development kitchen, to overseeing all marketing activities, including the company’s website and digital channels, and liaising with sales teams, Susanna is proposed as one of the most competent, talented and accomplished businesswomen in meat!

Head of Culture & Relationships
Porky Whites Ltd

Carla is described as the beating heart of Porky Whites Wholesale division. From taking daily orders and building strong supplier relationships, to advising on price, product and operations, Carla represents everything that Porky Whites stands for. Her dedication to each and every supplier goes beyond just a call. No request is too big, no question is too difficult, no problem to complex. Carla is not just a family member, but an essential part of the company’s business growth.

Commercial Manager
Kings Fine Cooked Meats

A powerhouse of technique, Adele has had a vital role in Kings’ success over the last 15 years. With her reputation for securing deals with major clients, overseeing the company’s commercial department and being a spokesperson for Kings at events and exhibitions, her dedication to the industry and her business is outstanding. Her proposer adds: “Adele is a shining example of an incredible businesswoman within a male-dominated industry.”

Customer Experience & Logistics Manager
Farmison & Co

Gemma’s role within the company is extensive and crucial to the smooth operation of Farmison. She is the face of Farmison and the problem-solver for any issues that arise with wholesale trade accounts. She handles all of this with a calm, measured approach and a laser-like focus on excelling in her role. She acts like a leader, takes ownership of tasks within and beyond her role, and, most importantly, she makes things happen. This is why she has become such an integral part of this successful business.

Apprenticeship & Early Careers Manager
ABP UK

Kate is a true champion of early careers. Her passion, tenacity and positivity are delivered with professionalism, encouraging colleague development while supporting others in taking their first steps into the industry. Kate’s role in ABP supports graduates and apprentices, ensuring opportunity for all. She is described as a superb role model and a valued asset in showcasing the meat industry to the next generation.

Learning & Development Specialist
Pilgrim’s Europe

Vikki’s work underpins Pilgrim’s Europe’s success by equipping employees with the skills to thrive and contribute meaningfully. Her journey from meat procurement to L&D specialist reflects a deep passion for people development. After completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Learning & Development, she now delivers high-impact workshops that consistently boost the function’s net promoter score. Her support in shaping the Career Pathways programme for graduates and placement students has been instrumental in developing future talent.

L&D Manager
Cranswick

Aly has played a vital role in proactively identifying, implementing and championing new tools aimed at developing the skills of young people entering the Cranswick business. Attracting new talent into the meat industry has been a long-standing challenge, however, thanks to the efforts of individuals like Aly, development opportunities have become a key attraction for new talent into the business, providing them with meaningful challenges helping not only to future-proof the Cranswick organisation, but also aiding retention and engagement.

Butcher Trainer
Crosby Management Training Ltd

Tara is an inspiration to all those women in the industry who she has been able to train. The feedback she has had over the years has been fantastic, and without doubt she has inspired current and future apprentices to progress in their food and butchery careers, and in many cases through her mentorship she has enabled young female butchers to progress and pick up awards!

Production Scheduler
Cranswick

Joining Cranswick at 18 as an operative with a passion for operations, Isla progressed quickly to a line leader, resiliently managing teams of 15 while consistently delivering on plan and achieving KPIs. Within two years, she achieved a place on Cranswick’s Operations Talent Programme, started a degree apprenticeship and gained promotion to a production scheduler, planning production for seven lines exceeding 500,000 packs a week for multiple retailers while utilising her experience to increase production efficiency.

Animal Welfare Officer
ABP (Lurgan)

Aimee’s journey from student to trailblazer in animal welfare at ABP Lurgan is truly inspiring. The first female in the UK and Ireland to earn full slaughter licenses for both cattle and sheep, she has led impactful welfare initiatives and earned deep respect across the ABP Group. Her dedication, leadership and pioneering achievements make her an outstanding candidate, says her proposer, showcasing her as a driving force for progress and innovation in our industry.

Meat Purchasing Lead
Aubrey Allen Ltd

Aubrey Allen says that Rachel is transforming the meat industry with passion, integrity and a deep agricultural insight. Raised on a farm, and a former young farmers’ leader, she now drives innovation at Aubrey Allen, launching the Heritage Breed scheme and a company-wide beef education programme. Championing rare native breeds and sustainable practices, Rachel bridges tradition with progress. Tireless and visionary, she inspires change at every level – from pasture to plate – and is already leading the future.

HR Business Partner
Sofina Foods Europe

Stephanie consistently goes the extra mile as a HR business partner, combining strategic insight with a hands-on approach. She a reliable administrator and attentive listener, she forms strong relationships and supports her team to ensure seamless operations. Her collaborative spirit, commitment to excellence and dedication to helping others make her a trusted, impactful team player who drives positive change and delivers results.

Category Technologist
ASDA

Alison joined the meat, fish and poultry category at ASDA in the summer of 2022 as a technical coordinator for the full team. It was quickly apparent that Alison had drive and passion and was going to be a colleague to watch. Since then, Alison has been promoted and has taken on some of the largest and most challenging departments within the category, including poultry, beef and lamb, and has done it with enthusiasm, taking on every challenge and getting fully immersed. Her proposer adds: “It is great to work with someone who just wants to be the best that they can be and deliver for ASDA customers.”

Operational Support
ABP (Guildford)

Jess started as an apprentice butcher and got the highest marks on EPA, then progressed into an operational role, which consists of planning, logistics, technical, procurement and financial. Currently, she is undertaking a supply chain programme that will progress her to an operational management level.

Orlagh joined ABP on placement during her CAFRE Food Science degree. After graduating, she rejoined via the ABP 2023 Graduate Programme, advancing into management as lairage & compliance manager, she is also now head of animal welfare at ABP Linden in charge of the welfare of the animals at this site. Orlagh is respected for her integrity, expertise and leadership. She champions female representation in the meat industry, leads an all-male team, supports compliance success and promotes graduate opportunities. Her passion, professionalism and drive mark her out as having a great future with ABP.

Group Planning Assistant
Dawn Meats

Dominika’s proposer is proud to nominate her for the Rising Star Award. As a dedicated professional and a mother of two young boys, Dominika balances family life with making impressive strides in the industry. Her drive, innovation and commitment to sustainability and quality set her apart. Her talents bring fresh energy and resilience to a traditionally male-dominated field and she is already making a lasting impact. A true role model, she is someone who embodies excellence, balance and forward-thinking leadership.

Technical Process Developer
ABP (Doncaster)

Olivia is an individual who always goes the extra mile to ensure product launches run smoothly along with trials of new products from the development stage. Olivia is an integral part of the technical team and is described as a great team player and always willing to help across the team, especially with ABP graduates and placement students, offering help and guidance.

Engineering Apprentice
Pilgrim’s Europe

Nominated by her team leader as the most deserving rising star in his 20-year career, Georgiana moved to the UK from Romania and has excelled in her engineering apprentice role at Redruth. Now in her third year, her recent review from Cornwall College was outstanding. Through hard work, determination and Georgiana’s likeable character, she has become a key member of the engineering team. This is all the more remarkable for a young woman in a male-dominated industry, in a new country, whose first language isn’t English.