Award winners recognised for exceptional contributions to the industry feeding the nation.

At an event sponsored by friend of the industry, Daniel Zeichner MP, British Poultry Council Chair, Martin Troop, joined key stakeholders to celebrate the excellent contributions of poultry people feeding the nation.

“The people who make that national capability possible”

The BPC Annual Awards recognise long and distinguished careers, and individuals who have supported or made a significant impact on the British poultry meat industry.

Mr Troop told attendees: “Last year, I spoke about our purpose: as producers feeding the nation, as responsible employers, and as stewards of the environment. This year, that purpose is not only unchanged. It is sharper.

And today, as we recognise excellence across our sector, we are celebrating the very people who make all this possible.”

Three pressure points

In its latest report, Britain’s Critical Food Infrastructure, the British Poultry Council identifies three pressure points – Place, People, and Progress (UK-EU Trade) – that determine whether production holds or fractures.

If one weakens, productivity stalls, capacity shrinks, and dependence on overseas production grows.

Mr Troop said: “Our Annual Report sets out clearly why British poultry is Critical National Infrastructure. Quite simply: the UK cannot feed itself without a high-volume, high-standard poultry meat sector; one that delivers on animal welfare, affordability, trust, and resilience.

Government’s mission is to kickstart economic growth. As the sector that supplies half the meat the nation eats, we are ready to play our part in driving national renewal.”

The British Poultry Council is calling for planning reform that unlocks innovation, investment in poultry people that secures the talent this sector cannot operate without, and a pathway for UK-EU trade that connects rules with reality rather than creating barriers.

BPC Chief Executive, Richard Griffiths, said: “If Government are serious about growth, we must build the conditions that allow essential economic infrastructure to thrive. This report sets out the steps needed to boost our productivity, strengthen our resilience, and keep the nation fed.”

Read “Britain’s Critical Food Infrastructure” here.

Congratulations to our 2025 award winners:

Mid Career – Ross Armstrong (Pilgrims Europe Moy Park)
Mid Career – Michael Poutney (Avara Foods)
Mid Career – Danny Woodger (Gressingham Foods)
Mid Career – Carlos Paiva (PD Hook)
Mid Career – Stephen Deerness (PD Hook)

Special Merit – Sascha van Helvoort (Veterinary Head of Outbreak Delivery, APHA)

Distinguished Service – Diane Ball (Kelly Tureys)
Distinguished Service – Shelby Caldwell (Pilgrims Europe Moy Park)
Distinguished Service – James Chandler (Gressingham Foods)
Distinguished Service – Philip Proud (Avara Foods)
Distinguished Service – Andy Dawkins (Avara Foods)
Distinguished Service – Willy Patton (Pilgrims Europe Moy Park)

A selection of photographs are available here.