Former Chief Executive of apetito UK & North America, Paul Freeston has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours for Services to the Food and Drink Sector, recognising four decades of leadership, innovation and voluntary service focused on nutrition, sustainability and improving outcomes for vulnerable people.

Paul led the apetito business for over 25 years, transforming it from a £27 million meals-on-wheels provider into an international, multi-award-winning food company with turnover exceeding £260 million. Under his leadership, apetito became the UK’s leading provider of meals and specialist nutrition to the NHS, care homes, social care and education sectors, while also expanding internationally into Canada and the United States.

Alongside his executive career, Paul has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to the food and drink industry. He served as President of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) from 2021 to 2023, having previously held senior voluntary roles including Deputy Chair, Treasurer and long-standing Board Director for 17 years. He is also a former President of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), where he represented the sector at the highest level for many years.

Throughout his career, Paul has also championed ethical employment, sustainability, community engagement and charitable giving, embedding these values deeply within the businesses he has led.

The OBE recognises Paul Freeston’s exceptional contribution to the UK food and drink sector, combining commercial leadership with innovation in nutrition, public service, and a lifelong commitment to making a real difference to people’s lives.

Quote from Paul Freeston:

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. 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.

“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.

“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.”