The 2026 Rising Star Award
A more subdued subheading
Each nominated candidate is interviewed online by members of the FPA Board. The winner will be invited to enrol at Sheffield Hallam University to undertake a part-time four-year degree apprenticeship leading to a BSc. Packaging Degree
Below is a photograph of our 2025 Rising Star winner, Maria Clark from Booker Wholesale, being presented with her award by one of the tutors on the degree course at Sheffield Hallam University.

Our 2026 Rising Star Finalists
"Alex is a dynamic force in the packaging industry. In just a few years, he has mastered distributor and manufacturing roles, managed national relationships, and driven sustainability initiatives. His proactive mindset, adaptability, and commitment to excellence make him a true rising star - poised to influence the industry’s future.
What truly sets Alex apart is his mindset. He approaches every day with a “can-do” attitude, eager to learn, develop, and better himself. He thrives on being proactive - seeking out opportunities rather than waiting for them. Whether visiting customers, building connections, or exploring new products, Alex ensures he is always adding value and pushing the business forward."
‘’Chandler has been with our business for just under two years and is definitely a future star."
Chandler supports the Tristar sales team by enabling them to switch to Essity products that not only drive a higher revenue for the Tristar business, but also delivers a cost in use benefit for our clients and improves our CSR targets for our distribution services.
Chandler manages all his relationships extremely well in our business and he has quickly become a Tristar favourite as he has a ‘relationship first’ account manager style which mirrors our values in Tristar. One for the future for sure. Well done Chandler’’
"Daisy joined Zeus Food in April 2024 after previously working in IT support for the hospitality. Despite having no prior experience in food packaging or managing a regional territory, she embraced the
challenge from day one with a “will do” attitude that has defined her journey. Daisy demonstrates remarkable mental toughness, a willingness to learn, and the courage to take on unfamiliar tasks head-on, never afraid to make a mistake if it moves her closer to results.
Daisy is a difference maker, a rising force, without doubt one of the most promising women and figuresin the food packaging industry. Her trajectory is exceptional, and we are extremely proud to nominate her."
"Erin McMahon Ansell is a Supply Chain Project Leader at Go-Pak Group and a standout rising star within the business. Since joining in January 2024 as a Supply Chain Executive and Project Coordinator, Erin has quickly demonstrated exceptional capability, drive and leadership. In under two years, she has been promoted to Supply Chain Project Leader, now leading a team of four, account managing six suppliersand overseeing critical supply chain and business-wide projects.
With her ability to lead people, deliver complex projects, embrace innovation and consistently achieve measurable results, Erin is a clear Rising Star and a driving force behind Go-Pak’s continued success."
"Joshua embodies the qualities of a true rising star: committed to learning, dedicated to service, and driven to make a meaningful impact. His ability to nurture customer relationships, ensure the right
products reach the right applications and support compliance him apart as a rising professional within the industry.
We are proud to nominate Joshua for the 2026 FPA Rising Star Award and believe he
represents the future of responsible, customer-focused innovation in our sector."
"I am delighted to nominate Ollie Wright for the Rising Star Award in the Foodservice Packaging Awards. In just three years, Ollie has demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership, and vision - qualities that have not only accelerated his career but also delivered outstanding results for our organisation.
Ollie is not only excelling in his current role -he is shaping the future of food packaging sales within a national food distributor. His achievements, vision, and leadership make him an outstanding candidate for the Rising Star Award."
“What sets Virginie apart, beyond her talent, is her energy, her passion, and her capacity to bring people together with a kindness that never dilutes her clarity or purpose. She is proactive, collaborative and deeply trusted. Whether managing press relations, shaping strategic campaigns or supporting teams across Europe, she brings creativity, warmth and absolute reliability. She also has the patience of a saint!
Virginie is not only a rising star within Sabert, she is a rising star within the entire industry, drawing attention to pressing topics that affect us all. Her achievements and continuing commitment exceed my
expectations, and her trajectory shows the hallmark of a future leader. In conclusion, she would be anexceptional and highly deserving recipient of the FPA Rising Star Award.”