Congratulations Samuel Turner, Finnebrogue’s Sustainability Executive, on being crowned ‘Quality Foods Rising Star of the Year’ at the national Quality Food Awards ceremony in London on Thursday 7th November 2024.
Sam joined Finnebrogue in August 2023 on a four-month contract to collect Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data for our own brand products, supporting our mission to provide transparent, eco-friendly packaging. His passion, enthusiasm, and expertise for sustainability (with an MA in Sustainability!) were immediately evident, leading us to offer him a permanent role.
Since stepping into this full-time position, Sam has been working alongside our Head of Sustainability, to shape and deliver Finnebrogue’s ESG vision and targets. Over the last six months, he has completed several feasibility studies to guide our environmental strategy—all within a department that’s still young, only 18 months old. Sam has truly hit the ground running and is making a measurable impact on our sustainability journey.
SAM’S HIGHLIGHTS
Scope 3 Emissions Measurement:
• Participated in the company’s first Scope 3 emissions project, which revealed that 90% of emissions are within Scope 3.
• Enabled identification of environmental hotspots, aiding in the development of carbon reduction strategies.
Supplier Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA):
• Assessed over 80 suppliers on environmental and social criteria, facilitating cross-departmental sustainability decision-making.
• Established methods to ensure supplier alignment with sustainability goals, fostering collaboration for improvements.
Waterless Urinals Installation:
• Initiated the installation of waterless urinals, projected to save 7,174 m³ of water annually, equivalent to 2.8 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Wildgrass Biodiversity Bank:
• Collaborated with local Strangford company, Ecoseeds, to convert a 4000m² area into a native wild grass habitat at Finnebrogue’s plant-based site, enhancing local biodiversity and supporting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
Sam’s advocacy for the environment extends beyond the workplace through his active involvement in both company initiatives and community engagement. As a key member of Finnebrogue’s Green Team, Sam organises staff events and coordinates activities under the company’s Bigger Picture programme, promoting sustainability and planet.
To take up the role at Finnebrogue, Sam moved from Wales and to his credit he has bedded not only into the company but into the local community also. Outside of work, Sam has joined a theatre group and is deeply engaged in environmental activism as an active member of a local climate action group.
Quality Foods Rising Star 2024 is a well-deserved recognition of Sam’s hard work, knowledge, and dedication to a more sustainable future. We couldn’t be prouder of his achievements and are very excited to see where he takes us next!
SPOTLIGHT: TARA LYNN
At the same awards, Tara Lynn, daughter of our founding members Denis and Christine Lynn, was commended for the role she played in Finnebrogue’s rebrand journey in 2023- and in articulating Finnebrogue’s story to all stakeholders. Collaborating within the working group and with external creative teams, she successfully clarified and refined the brand messaging, ensuring its coherent representation across various outputs, including signage, packaging, social media and marketing. When asked what she is most proud off in her role and where she gets her passion and enthusiasm from, she replied:
“Through the rebranding project, I honoured my father’s legacy and also reinvigorated Finnebrogue’s identity, driving significant growth and engagement for the business as a result. The refreshed brand now clearly communicates our values and vision, resonating deeply with both consumers and retailers. This transformation has been instrumental in positioning Finnebrogue for continued success and innovation in the food industry. And I am very proud of the role I played in making that happen. I also learned so much about design and print during this period and embraced the mammoth task ahead with enthusiasm and determination.”
