Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts and Wrap chairman Sebastian Munden are among the UK food and drink figures to receive New Year Honours from King Charles.
Both have been awarded CBEs – Roberts for services to the retail industry, with Munden being awarded for services to business and the circular economy.
As ever, the sector was well represented in the annual list, which recognises those deemed to have made “extraordinary” contributions to society, or for their service.
Among those also honoured are Emma Revie, the CEO of food bank charity The Trussell Trust, who has received an OBE for services to the eradication of poverty. Meanwhile, Paul Freeston, the former CEO of meals on wheels foodservice provider Apetito, also received an OBE for services to the food and drink sector.
James Buchan, CEO of the Scottish Seafood Association, was awarded an MBE for services to the Scottish seafood industry. Wyke Farms MD Richard Clothier received the same honour for services to sustainable agriculture and food production.
During his over three decades in the fmcg sector, Munden has played a critical role in helping to fight plastic waste.
He was Unilever UK CEO between April 2017 and July 2022. He has been chair of NGO Wrap since November 2022, and is independent chair of Pack UK’s EPR scheme administrator steering group. He was also a guest editor for The Grocer in 2024.
“I’d like to pay tribute to my former colleagues at Unilever for over three decades of developing new products together, without whose inspiring partnership none of this would have been possible,” Munden said.
“And to my current colleagues at Wrap and Ad Net Zero working with businesses to make the circular economy an everyday reality across many different sectors.
“It’s also recognition for all those in the grocery industry working to create a better packaging system, and for the practical contribution of businesses alongside national and local governments in the way change is implemented.
Freeston, who stepped down as Apetito CEO in January 2025 and was formerly president of the British Frozen Food Federation, said he was “deeply honoured” to be recognised for his contribution.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to work in a sector that has such a profound impact on people’s everyday lives, particularly those who are older, vulnerable or living with complex health needs,” he said.
“Throughout my career, what has mattered most to me is that food should do more than simply nourish – it should bring dignity, enjoyment and a sense of normality, regardless of someone’s circumstances. Any success I’ve had has only been possible because of the extraordinary people I’ve worked alongside, from colleagues and frontline teams to partners across health, care, education and the wider food industry.
Freeston added: “This honour belongs to all of them, and it reinforces my belief that by working together, we really can make a lasting and positive difference to society.”
2026 New Years Honours list highlights:
CBE
- Peter Bruce, founder of Scottish foodservice group Entier, for services to the catering industry and to charity
- Seb Munden, chair Pack UK Steering Group and chair Wrap, for services to business and to the circular economy
- Simon Roberts, chief executive officer Sainsbury’s, for services to the retail Industry
OBE
- Dan Corry, who led the independent review of Defra’s regulatory landscape, for public service
- Paul Freeston, lately chair and chief executive officer, Apetito, for services to the food and drink industry
- Emma Revie, chief executive officer of food bank charity The Trussell Trust, for services to the eradication of poverty
- Jeanette Smart, lately development officer of Food For Thought education fund, for services to food and health education
MBE
- James Buchan, CEO Scottish Seafood Association, for services to the Scottish seafood industry
- Richard Clothier, managing director Wyke Farms, for services to sustainable agriculture and food production
- Tea Colaianni, founder and chair WiHTL and Diversity in Retail, for services to inclusion in the hospitality, travel leisure and retail sectors
- Timothy Evans, chief executive Welsh Fishermen’s Association, for services to fishing
- Paul Hegarty, trustee Licensed Trade Charity, for charitable service to the hospitality sector
- Wilma Milligan, for services to charity and food poverty
- Lianne Simpson, founder and director Diamond Hampers, for services to tackling food waste and the community of Cambridgeshire
- James Whiting, CEO The Skinny Food Company, for services to the food industry
- Mark McCulloch, marketing consultant and hospitality strategist, for services to marketing and hospitality.
Medallists for the Order of The British Empire
- Debra Fixer, founder, Sprouts Community Food Charity, for services to the community in Stockton-on-Tees
- Ryan Riley, founder Life Kitchen, for services to sufferers of loss of taste
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