FDF Awards 2025 winners

The 2025 FDF Award winners were unveiled on Thursday 11 September at the iconic Roundhouse, London. Congratulations to all the winners. 

With many thanks to our sponsors.

Headline sponsor:

Apprentice of the Year – Joint winner

Sponsored by:

Alexander Austyn, Packaging Developer Apprentice, Unilever and The Magnum Ice Cream Company, BSc in Packaging Professional Level 6, Sheffield Hallam University

Since joining the apprenticeship scheme in 2022, Alex has made a significant impact at his organisation, progressing to a Packaging Developer role where he leads packaging change projects and supports new product development. His outstanding contribution includes leading the packaging work stream for the 2025 Magnum innovation project, delivering the finest carton yet for a premium product range.

Alex has earned praise for his packaging expertise and project management skills, while also championing apprenticeships by organising events, visiting schools, and mentoring new cohorts. His professionalism, passion, and collaborative spirit have made him an invaluable team member and a key contributor to the brand’s success.

Gabby Dineen, Food Technical Apprenticeship, Unilever and The Magnum Ice Cream Company Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship Level 6, Nottingham Trent University

Gabby is an outstanding degree apprentice at Unilever, balancing full-time work with academic studies while excelling in technical leadership and innovation. She has assisted with the development of a new Cornetto recipe and is managing the transfer of a multimillion-dollar US brand to Europe, overseeing formulation, trials, and factory coordination. Her collaborative work spans product innovation, packaging, and regulatory challenges.

Beyond her technical contributions, as an ambassador, Gabby actively promotes apprenticeships and STEM education by mentoring new apprentices, organising onboarding activities, and representing Unilever at careers events. Her dedication, technical skill, and positive influence have made her an invaluable asset to both her team and the wider organisation.

Brand Launch of the Year – Joint winner

Wall’s Pastry - When Hunger Calls, Grab a Wall’s

The UK’s leading sausage roll brand, underwent a major transformation to boost consumer engagement and modernise its image. Despite strong sales, the brand faced low awareness and limited appeal among younger audiences. The relaunch introduced its best-ever sausage roll recipe and bold new packaging, while expanding the product range to suit diverse consumer needs, including food-to-go options and new formats like Pizza Pies and breakfast items.

A dynamic marketing campaign featuring the Wallsy mascot and the tagline “When Hunger Calls, Grab a Wall’s” drove nationwide awareness and trial. The result was a sales boost to over £63m, a 30% value increase, and 488,000 new shoppers, solidifying Wall’s position as the third-largest Chilled Savoury Pastry brand in the UK.