Community meals supplier Apetito shortlisted for innovation award

The Orange Innovation Award recognises businesses that have gone 'beyond the ordinary in their development and implementation of cutting edge products, services and company culture'. The Awards place particular emphasis on excellence, innovation and ethical business. Apetito has continued to develop its market leading range of soft and puréed products this year, which have already had an impact on the eating experience and well-being of people individuals with dysphagia (eating and swallowing difficulties). The company has also launched a new food system for hospitals aimed at revolutionising 'on demand' patient feeding. Ian Stone, Apetito's business development director, said: "Being shortlisted for the Orange Innovation category is a fantastic honour for the company and the industry. It's a highly prestigious award and an achievement for all of 'team Apetito'. "Listening to our customers and engaging the whole team in innovation is a key driver of our continued success. It is a great source of pride that our innovations are able to make a real difference to vulnerable people every day." Announcing the Orange Innovation finalists, Martin Stiven, Vice President of Business at Orange, part of Everything Everywhere, said: "Orange believes that innovation is central to all business growth and we support businesses to achieve this goal. If the UK is to regain its role as a world leader of innovation, we firmly believe that British companies must embrace a new way of thinking and invest time and resource into doing this. "This year's finalists demonstrate exceptional innovation and are a testament to pioneering UK business." Sherry Coutu, Investment Committee, NESTA, who sat on this year's judging panel, said: "Apetito's dedication to its niche of catering for the elderly, sick and infirm is both noble and profitable." Apetito will now prepare to present to the expert panel of judges in October, before winners are announced in November. Winners will be honoured at the National Business Awards gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, Tuesday 8th November, where George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will deliver this year's welcome address. For a full list of all 2011 finalists, please visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk.