Last year's winners

Farne Salmon scooped Food and Drink Exporter of the Year at 2006's FFB Export Awards, part of a hat-trick for the Scottish company.

The winners of the Food from Britain Export Awards 2006 were:

International Retailer of the Year: Loblaw

The judges said: "Forward thinking and innovative, the chain was one of the early pioneers of quality own label with its President’s Choice range and many retailers across the world, including some of the leading grocers in the UK, have used this business model as a ‘good – better – best’ template for their own private label programmes."

Food and Drink Exporter of the Year: Farne Salmon & Trout

The judges said: "It is a company that has developed a true ‘export culture’ across all levels of its business, and this has resulted in a clear strategic approach with its retail partners."

Image of Britain Award (sponsored by VisitBritain): Rob Rees

The judges said: "His self confessed mission is to create a revolution in the food culture of Britain and his demonstrations and menu development around the world is certainly putting the ‘great’ back into British food."

Export Inspiration Award (sponsored by Fast Track): James Walker

The judges said: "He is personally involved with every customer in the world just as though they had crossed the road to visit the company’s original shop."

Best New Exporter (sponsored by Food from Britain): The British Curry Company

The judges said: "we were particularly impressed by this company’s honest approach and its clear commitment and determination to succeed."

Cereal-Based Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Home Grown Cereals Authority): Honeytop Speciality Foods Ltd

The judges said: "Adopting a simple yet highly focused approach, clearly identifying suitable markets through on-the-ground research has resulted in a doubling of export sales in the last 12 months alone."

Speciality Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Food from Britain): Gourmet’s Choice

The judges said: "Its achievements in France highlight its commitment to a focused, tailored approach.   Identifying a niche opportunity through 260 kosher delicatessens, the company developed a new brand to appeal to the French market."

Drinks Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Food from Britain): The Feel Good Drinks Company

The judges said: "The company’s ability to make a big impact in a very little time sets it apart from its competitors.  As a marketing led business, its launches are creatively supported to get noticed and ‘make people smile’."

Private Label Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Private Label Manufacturer’s Association): Farne Salmon & Trout

The judges said: "By creating true partnerships, the company has built up an in depth understanding of these retailers’ strategic requirements and longer term aims. "

Grocery Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Fresh RM): Patak’s Foods Limited

The judges said: "Despite its size, a local approach is still vital to its success.  Understanding country tastes, lifestyles and languages is key."

Wholesale Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Food from Britain): Nisa International

The judges said: Highly professional in its approach, it recognises that each market requires its own strategy and invests significantly in research."

Marketing Innovation Award (sponsored by Allworld Exhibitions): Britvic International

The judges said: "A co-ordinated launch campaign in Scandinavia saw the winner implement a totally integrated marketing campaign."

Frozen & Chilled Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Food from Britain): Farne Salmon & Trout

The judges said: "Close working relationships with key retail partners put it in the ideal position to work as a truly integrated partner in areas such as new product development, packaging and logistics."

Dairy Exporter of the Year (sponsored by The British Cheese Awards): Ashley Chase Estate Ltd

The judges said: "Exports now make up a quarter of this company's income: a remarkable journey for a small business on a limited budget."

Best Exhibitor at an International Show (sponsored by Primo Group): The Fine Cheese Company

The judges said: "Their innovative displays, passion for their products and infectious personalities have ensured that their international customer base has grown dramatically through exhibitions."

Scottish Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Scottish Development International): Farne Salmon & Trout

The judges said: "Rather than focus on countries, it has built strategic partnerships with key retailers in Europe establishing either exclusive supplier and category leadership status with them all."

Northern Ireland ‘Fit for Market’ Exporter of the Year (sponsored by DARD and Invest Northern Ireland): Evron Foods

The judges said: "Despite being a small company with limited resources to compete against some retail heavyweights, this year’s winner is committed to overseas growth."

Welsh Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Welsh Assembly Government): Radnor Hills Mineral Water Company Ltd

The judges said: "The company works closely with its distributors to develop its products, labelling and promotional activities."

English Exporter of the Year (sponsored by UK Trade & Investment): The Feel Good Drinks Company

The judges said: "Its approach was refreshingly simple but effective – find the right distributors, work in close partnership with them, and support the brand locally. "

If you think your company has what it takes to win one of this year's awards, visit our How to enter page.