Butcher’s staff on shortlist for awards

TWO MEMBERS of the team at heritage and rare breed meat butchers Farmison and Co have been nominated for national awards.

Michelle Kennedy, chief operating officer and Jen Piercy, marketing director for the Riponbased firm, have been chosen as finalists for this year’s Women in Meat Industry Awards.

The two have been nominated for two of the nine sections with Ms Kennedy a finalist in the foodservice category and Ms Piercy in the industry supplier category.

The business, which sources its produce from smallholders and farmers throughout Yorkshire and the North of England, saw demand soar during the pandemic, signing up more than 30,000 new customers.

To meet customer requests, the business started delivering seven days a week with both Ms Kennedy and Ms Piercy playing key roles in ensuring the operation ran smoothly.

John Pallagi, CEO and cofounder of Farmison and Co, said they were “incredibly proud” of the two finalists.

“Relentless in their desire to drive the company forward and make it an even better place for suppliers, customers and staff alike, their enthusiasm is infectious. The Covid-19 pandemic in particular has been proof of their mettle – working around the clock to keep up with demand – and Farmison & Co is a better place for their impressive contribution,” he said.

Voting for the awards, which recognise outstanding female talent in the industry, closes this coming Friday, August 28, with the winners announced on November 13.