NORTH EAST food-to-go specialist On a Roll Sandwich Company has lived up to its name after taking away two trophies at a national industry awards ceremony.
The innovative organisation took away joint ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ at the prestigious British Sandwich Association Awards drawing with Bradgate Bakery, and also excelled in the individual ‘venison’ category with New Product Development Chef Nathan Baker taking away the prize for British Sandwich Designer of the Year.
Over the last year, the company has moved its entire operation to a £3.6m purpose-built factory on Riverside Business Park, in Middlesbrough, and has also gained more contracts and increased its market share in the healthcare sector.
The judges decided to give On A Roll Sandwich Company and Bradgate Bakery a joint award as they had both equally made the most progress and improvement, over the last year, with their business expansion programmes.
James Stoddart, Managing Director of On a Roll Sandwich Company, said: “We are completely overwhelmed and delighted to have won in such a competitive category and against a selection of national, multi-million pound manufacturers.
“We weren’t even aware we had been shortlisted as it was kept top secret until the actual awards night.
“The past year has consisted of late nights and hard work for myself and the full team, and its brilliant to feel that our efforts have been recognised by the industry’s awarding body.
“We could not think of a better way to start off our new financial year and can’t wait to celebrate with the rest of our staff.”
Nathan entered the awards for the first time with his venison creation proving to be enough to take him through to the national final.
The entry was also featured on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, with Piers Morgan referring to it as a ‘real sandwich.’
Nathan said: “To get through and win first time is an excellent feeling. To be awarded British Sandwich Designer of the Year in the venison category is an honour.
“Part of my role is to create new and innovate flavours for On a Roll customers, so it is great to see the benefits of taking risks with flavours and coming up with something for everyone to enjoy.”
The company, which provides food-to-go options for a range of different sectors including healthcare, retail, transport, hospitality and education, also won the Food and Drink Manufacturer in the Made in North East Awards and is hoping for further success when the national finals are staged in June.