MDS Trainees Shine at the 2025 FPC Fresh Awards
It was a truly memorable evening for MDS and our Trainees at the 2025 FPC Fresh Awards – one of the most prestigious celebrations of talent in the fresh produce and food industry.
We were delighted to see three of our Trainees – Lizzie Harley, Sophie Williams, and Tanya Peters – shortlisted for the Rising Star of the Year award. Each of them has impressed with their dedication and passion throughout their MDS journey, and having all three recognised on such a high-profile stage was a moment of real pride for the whole team.
The highlight of the night came when Tanya Peters was announced as the Rising Star of the Year! This award celebrates the brightest young talent shaping the future of the sector, and Tanya’s achievement is a wonderful culmination to her two-year journey with MDS.
Reflecting on the success of all three Trainees, Kirsty Barden, Head of Careers & Development at MDS, said:
“We couldn’t be prouder of Lizzie, Sophie, and Tanya. Their commitment, growth, and impact across the programme truly show the talent we nurture at MDS. Seeing Tanya recognised in this way is a fantastic moment for everyone involved, and a reminder of the extraordinary potential of all our Trainees.”
Celebrating our Members
It wasn’t just our Trainees making waves at the awards – many of our Member companies were also recognised for their excellence, demonstrating the wider impact of MDS across the industry. Highlights included:
- Dyson Farming – Technology Champion of the Year winner
- Fyffes – Sustainability Excellence Ethical Award winner
- Aldi – Multiple Fruit & Veg Retailer of the Year winner
- Summer Berry Company – UK Grower of the Year winner
- Varfell Farms – Supermarket Floral & Plant Supplier of the Year winner
We were also proud to see MDS nominated for Fresh Produce Business of the Year, with our logo appearing alongside so many of our Members. It was fantastic to celebrate our Trainees, our organisation, and the wider network of companies we work with – a real showcase of talent, innovation, and collaboration across the sector.
Looking Ahead
The FPC Fresh Awards reminded us just how much talent, ambition, and dedication exists across MDS and our Members – from rising stars making their mark early in their careers, to established companies leading the way in innovation and sustainability.
As we celebrate these achievements, we are more excited than ever to continue supporting our Trainees and Members as they shape the future of the food and fresh produce industry. We can’t wait to see what the next year brings for our Trainees and the organisations we work with, and we know there are many more moments like these to come.