7 reasons to enter The Caterer’s Supplier Awards

Get your product known

All shortlisted businesses will enjoy prominent exposure, with their logos showcased on the big screen during the awards ceremony, reinforcing brand recognition and industry credibility. Winning companies will receive a comprehensive feature highlighting their success, plus opportunities to contribute to articles, interviews and features on The Caterer throughout the year, extending brand visibility well beyond the event itself.

Unparalleled networking opportunities

With more than 120 guests at last year’s inaugural event, the awards offer an unrivalled platform to connect with industry peers, share ideas and build relationships with existing and potential customers. Who knows, your next client could be in the room. Nicholls said: “Those shortlisted will be able to network with operators face-to-face, while enjoying a delicious three-course lunch and catching up with industry colleagues.”

Improve brand awareness

Winning a Supplier Award can significantly raise your profile across the industry. Tim Hobbs, director at Freemans Event Partners, said winning Specialist Wholesaler of the Year, “raised our profile as the wholesaler of choice for the events industry, from major venues and international events to mobile caterers on the ground”. He added that it “affirmed our position as the trusted supply chain partner that keeps the live experience running”.

Build brand credibility

Winning a Supplier Award adds influence and credibility to your brand. Susanne Fraser, head of marketing at Maldon Salt, said: “When we won Food Brand of the Year, it helped to build further credibility and trust with our customers and partners alike.” Phil Sanderson, sales director at Valentine & Cuisinequip, said winning Light Equipment Brand of the Year “strengthened our credibility and gave our sales and marketing teams a fantastic platform to talk about innovation, service and sustainability. The award has also added real weight to conversations with both new and existing customers”.

Share the success with the team

Entering – and winning – offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate together. Companies can buy tables and bring colleagues along to enjoy the celebratory event, showing genuine appreciation for all their hard work. As Sanderson said: “It was a brilliant morale boost for the whole team. Everyone, from product development to customer service, plays a part in our success, and this recognition underlined that.”

Boost team morale

Honour, privilege and pride are just some of the words shared by last year’s winners on how it felt to win an award. As Peter Moore, chief executive at Lolly, said: “Winning Innovative Guest Experience of the Year means so much to all of us at Lolly. It’s recognition of the passion, creativity and hard work that goes into building smart, guest-focused solutions – and it motivates us to keep raising the bar.”

The Caterer’s 2026 Supplier Awards will take place on 16 April 2026 at One Moorgate Place, London. Enter today for your chance to shine and affirm your position as a leading player in the hospitality supply chain.

The full list of categories

• Hot Beverage Brand of the Year
• Drinks Brand of the Year
• Sustainability Initiative of the Year – Non-food
• Sustainability Initiative of the Year – Food and Beverage
• Community Campaign of the Year
• Cleaning, Hygiene and Laundry Brand of the Year
• Refrigerator Brand of the Year
• In-room Brand of the Year
• Light Equipment Brand of the Year
• Cooking Equipment Brand of the Year
• Warewasher Brand of the Year
  
• Fresh Food Brand of the Year
• Frozen Food Brand of the Year
• Ambient Food Brand of the Year
• Outstanding Supplier Personality Award
• SME Brand of the Year
• Revenue & Property Management Solution of the Year
• People Solution of the Year
• Booking, Ordering & Payment Solution of the Year
• Innovative Guest Experience of the Year
• Specialist Wholesaler of the Year
• Food and Drink Wholesaler of the Year
• Equipment Wholesaler of the Year