Winners

JW European’s Smartleaf process is patented technology in the bagged salad sector. The technology adopts a disruptive on-farm model for processing. JWE has developed gentle rinsing and drying, which is linked to Smartleaf machinery as a final sanitising step.

Smartleaf uses natural ingredients to reduce microbial loading on leaves, improving freshness and extending shelf life. Bagged salads have a short shelf life and have been highlighted as a high wasting food product, so this technology is a welcome development in fighting food waste, which accounts for ten per cent of global greenhouse gases.

Dr Scott Phillips, joint MD of JW European and inventor of the Smartleafp rocess, states: “It has taken us well over a decade and required so much determination from our teams and our partners; we’ve achieved something novel and exciting. We are proud of the Smartleaf bags produced through our on-farm model and delighted for this to be recognised in this year’s Queen’s Awards.”