The Food and Drink Federation is inviting entries for its annual awards.

The competition gives businesses the chance to showcase projects they are undertaking in areas such as exports, environmental leadership, education and health.

The awards are free to enter until the 31 March 2017, and winners will be announced at an event at The Brewery in central London on 21 September 2017.

Company categories in the FDF Awards 2017 include:

•             Campaign of the Year

•             Community Partner (business)

•             Education Initiative

•             Environmental Leadership

•             Exporter of the Year

•             Good Employer

•             Health

•             Innovation

•             Regional Growth Business (six regional awards)

Individual categories include:

•             Apprentice of the Year

•             Community Partner (individual)

•             Food and Drink Engineer of the Year

•             Food and Drink Scientist of the Year

•             Rising Star

Ian Wright, director general of the FDF said the evening brings together the very best from the food and drink industry.

“Success at these prestigious awards brings great benefits for the winners. It goes a long way to offer an edge in today’s marketplace, he said.

“Above all, these awards are a chance to recognise and reward hard-working teams and individuals, who go above and beyond to ensure the success of their respective organisations, as well as the industry as a whole.”

Several bakeries won this year’s awards in September, including Roberts Bakery bagging the Good Employer accolade and the Bread Factory winning the Regional Growth Business of the Year category.