Operations Director Steve Wood was presented with the most sought after award of the evening by Ed Bedington, Editor of organiser, 'Meat Trades Journal', at the event held in Manchester.

Ed Bedington said: "Its 'field to fork' approach to business has turned it into one of the UK's leading processors. Its devotion to both innovation and investment into its business has helped place it at the forefront of its trade, and its commitment to training and improving staff certainly helped catch the judges eye.”

The accolade comes on the back of Tulip being named Meat & Poultry Manufacturing Company of the Year at the Food & Drink Manufacturing Excellence Awards held by Food Manufacture magazine.

Chris Thomas, CEO at Tulip, said: “This second major award in just several months is fantastic recognition of the efforts of our entire business.

“It comes as the result of a concerted effort to provide our customers with outstanding products and service as we work towards our vision of becoming the UK’s number one consumer food solutions business.”

Tulip’s Dalehead division was also recognised at the event, having been named finalist in two categories: Young Processor of the Year for Charlotte Minns, and Plant Manager of the Year for Spalding’s Martin Luke.