A number of bakery manufacturers have scooped prizes at the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) Community Partnership Awards this year.

Announced last week at a celebration lunch at the Shakespeare Globe theatre in London, winners included the Burton Biscuit Company and United Biscuits, which took gold and silver respectively in the Export Success category.

United Biscuits, known for manufacturing products under the McVitie’s brand name, also received the top award in the Health and Wellbeing category for its efforts to reduce the percentage of saturated fat in its products.

Lanark-based Border Biscuits took home the gold in the Local Community category after judges recognised the efforts of the firm and its employees to strengthen their relationships with the local community through a web-based project.

General Mills, which owns the Jus-Rol pastry brand, was awarded bronze in the same category for its Floating Classroom facility, designed to offer local schoolchildren a way to learn more about nature and science.

Terry Jones, director of communications at the FDF, said: “Our Community Partnership Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the positive impact food and drink businesses have across the country and to celebrate their economic success.

“Whether it’s working with local schools, sourcing ingredients sustainably or showcasing British products on the global stage, the food and drink sector is full of great examples of how businesses can be both successful and responsible. This year’s winners are an inspiration to all businesses, both in and out of the food chain, and show not only what can be achieved when companies are committed to making a positive difference, but also why our sector is a such great place to be.”

The FDF’s Community Partnership Awards aim to award UK food and drink firms for their contribution to the economy and the many different communities in which they operate.