Andy Macdonald (2)

Outgoing Coregeo boss Andy Macdonald has been presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to the world of food photography.

Macdonald, who received his award this week at the annual Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year Awards at the Mall Galleries in London, played a key role in Pink Lady taking on the role of headline sponsor of the event since its inception in 2011, and helping to promote it.

At the awards, the overall winning photo wasCauldron Noodles, a celebration of the goddess Nuwa, taken by Chinese photographer Jianhui Liao.

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Liao was presented with the £5,000 prize byMacdonald, with theannouncement taking place in front of an audience of 400 guests at a Champagne Taittinger reception hosted by musician and cheesemakerAlex James.

“The competition was fierce,” said Macdonald, who has now retired as Coregeo managing director to be replaced by Peter Durose. “There were 9,000 images entered from 77 countries – more entries and more countries than ever before - and the standard was phenomenal.”

Jianhui’s shot won theFood for Celebrationcategory sponsored by Champagne Taittinger. “It stood out from the rest in its category, however, for the way in which he made the subject matter, a community feast, so beautiful and atmospheric,” judges said.

Fresh produce-related winners included Andrew Newey'sPumpkins at Sunrise, which won the Food in the Field category.

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Joshua George'sPassion Fruit Lovetook away the prize in the Young 10 & Under category.

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Tiree Dawson'sThe Girlwon the Pink Lady Apple a Day award.

Tiree Dawson The Girl

Simon Bajada'sBasque Heirloomstriumphed in the Cream of the Crop section.

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