Trowbridge frozen food firm apetito is in the running for a prestigious innovation award at the National Business Awards.


The firm, with a factory in Canal Road, is a leading supplier of frozen meals to hospitals and care homes and received the nomination for developing a new system to cook patient’s meals quickly in the microwave, allowing orders to be taken on-demand, instead of hours beforehand, saving time and waste.

The Orange Innovation Award acknowledges firms which have taken extraordinary steps to develop innovation within an organisation.

It will now contest the Orange Innovation Award at the National Business Awards in London on November 13 after delivering a presentation to an expert panel of judges

Ian Stone, sales, marketing and business development director at apetito said: “I’m proud that our innovations deliver a positive impact to people at vulnerable times of their lives. Our new plated meal system marketed under the CarteChoix brand is the outcome of putting resources, time and hard work into producing significant developments in food manufacturing. It is our aim to create products which provide nutritious, safe and appetising food, on time, to the elderly and infirm and it is a great honour to be recognised by a prestigious award for our achievements.”

apetito recently invested £4.7m at the site and with 533 staff based there is now the largest non-public sector employer in Wiltshire.

Martin Stiven, vice president of business at Orange, said: “The entries this year have really raised the bar. apetito has shown a great ability in introducing an impactful innovation which has clearly enhanced its business.

"Firms like these play a crucial role in pushing the economy forward with their great ideas. Orange believes innovation is crucial for growth and the best examples should be celebrated to inspire businesses across the country.”


Visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk for a full list of all 2012 finalists.