BERLIN, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ —

The 5^th Annual Supply Chain Distinction Awards on Wednesday 20^th June 2012, was attended by over 400 supply chain, logistics, distribution and procurement experts from over 200 leading manufacturing companies from in and around Europe.

The awards were created to celebrate the achievements at the highest strategic levels of supply chain management, across six disciplines. Research conducted showed that the industry lacked awards that rewarded companies who were pioneering new initiatives to enhance and rejuvenate the effectiveness of their supply chain strategies. Out of this insight the Supply Chain Distinction Awards were launched.

Established five years ago, the awards are now well known as the biggest networking event of its kind. Leading manufacturers from the region congregated and utilised the awards, as a benchmark for validating the generation and adaptations required to their current supply chain strategies. The success of the awards is a testimony to the energy and dynamism of the supply chain industry.

The ceremony was held at the Maritim Hotel Berlin, Germany and was hosted with great enthusiasm by Douglas Kent, Director, Supply Chain Council who announced the following winners:

    Boots UK                       Operational Excellence Award
    BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH   Supply Chain Innovation Award
    PrimeRevenue, Inc.             Best Value Chain Solutions Provider
    Compañía Cervecera de Canaria  Best Collaborative Practice Award
    Premier Foods                  Green Supply Chain Award
    IBM                            Technology Award

What made this year’s awards so special is the volume of nominations that were received. This led to a diverse range of both youthful and more established companies shortlisted, and helped spur the electric atmosphere on the night. But further highlighted the true reflection of where leading developments in the market are being driven.

The attendees enjoyed live entertainment from The Royal Jazz Band, followed by a three course gala dinner in three hours of peer-to-peer networking.

Entry highlights

Our judges had a tougher job than ever this year deciding upon category winners. Exclusive insight from the judging panel on a few of the award winning entries, include:

Operational Excellence Award – Boots UK

“Boots UK demonstrated excellent results driven by strong partnerships. This entry is a great example of a company that has streamlined its activity, whilst improving sustainability.” – Robert Handfield, Bank of America University Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management, NC State University

Green Supply Chain Award – Premier Foods

“Premier Foods’ sustainability programme is an outstanding example of a green Supply Chain. It embodies green throughout all Supply Chain levels whilst saving the company significant costs in energy usage.” – Dr Andrew Palmer, Honorary Research Fellow, Heriot Watt University

Supply Chain Technology Award – IBM

“IBM recognises the importance of perfect order fulfilment. They have addressed the challenges associated with establishing the predictive capabilities, required through the connectivity and common data requirements! Great problem solving.” – Dr Andrew Palmer, Honorary Research Fellow, Heriot Watt University

Full information on all the shortlisted entries, including those who won awards, can be seen at http://www.supplychainawards.com/categories.asp.

Event Facts and Figures

• Now in its fifth year, The Supply Chain Distinction Awards are the leading independent rewarding body for the supply chain and logistics industry
• The awards rewarded excellence in supply chain management across 6 disciplines, including; operational excellence, best value chain, green supply chain and supply chain technology
• 400 European supply chain, logistics, distribution and procurement experts attended the ceremony
• Visit http://www.supplychainawards.com for more information

About World Trade Group

World Trade Group (WTG) is a leading global integrated media company. Operating within the sectors of energy, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, manufacturing and supply chain and HR. We organise and run some of the leading annual business events, bringing together senior executives from world class organisations for a unique blend of knowledge sharing, networking and deal making.

For more information on WTG’s range of events and services, visit our corporate website at: http://www.wtginternational.com/

Notes to Editors: If you require more information or are interested in working with us as a media partner for this event please contact:

Jessica Archer
Senior Marketing Manager
Tel: +44(0)20-7202-7799
Email: jessica.archer@wtgevents.com

SOURCE The World Trade Group