Foodservice Cateys 2026 shortlist revealed
The shortlist for the 2026 Foodservice Cateys has been revealed after industry judges met to decide on the winners
The shortlist for the 2026 Foodservice Cateys has been revealed, recognising the individuals, teams and businesses in the sector that have shown excellence over the past year.
This year, 60 judges chosen for their expertise and industry knowledge met at central London location Sixty London Wall, generously hosted by Genuine Dining, to debate the 250 nominees and produce shortlists across 20 award categories, including the new Procurement Professional of the Year Award.
The award was launched to celebrate individuals working across public and private sector contract catering who are strengthening supplier relationships, improving purchasing performance and delivering cost savings to clients and businesses.
The awards, now in their 13th year, will take place at the Royal Lancaster London on 9 October. The event celebrates outstanding foodservice businesses in education, events, healthcare, and business and industry catering, as well as shining a light on the chefs, procurement experts, salespeople and managers who excel in their roles.
“Exceptional quality”
Julia Edmonds, executive director, client and contract development at Elior UK, who judged the People and Training Award and Regional Manager of the Year, said: “Having judged the Foodservice Cateys for a few years now, the quality of the nominations this year was exceptional and it was very difficult to decide on a shortlist.
“We had a challenge deciding who our winner was in both categories I helped to judge.”
She added that it’s “always a joy” to learn about the individuals and businesses who are driving innovation and change in the foodservice industry.
Meanwhile, Jonny Whitfield, managing director of Clink Events, who judged the Best Use of Innovative Technology Award and the CSER Award, said: “Being invited to judge two categories after winning an award last year has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Both to hear first-hand from some of the judges who awarded us previously, but also to be a part of the rigorous process selecting the shortlist and winners.”
Whitfield, whose organisation won the CSER Award at last year’s Foodservice Cateys, added that the nominations were “of excellent calibre and there was a strong but fair debate among the judges”.
To buy tickets for the event, contact sophie.lancaster@jacobsmediagroup.com or visit the Foodservice Cateys website. To explore sponsorship opportunities, contact rob.adam@jacobsmediagroup.com
Take a look at pictures from last year’s Foodservice Cateys, or discover 2025’s winners
The 2026 Foodservice Cateys shortlist
Best Use of Innovative Technology Award
Sponsored by FoodOp
- Aramark UK
- Country Court
- Digital technology team – universities, Gather & Gather
- Lexington Catering
Boutique Caterer of the Year
- Boulevard Events
- Thomas & Tate
Business and Industry Caterer of the Year
Sponsored by Kanpla
- Bennett Hay
- The Good Eating Company
- Thomas Franks
Chef Manager of the Year
- Clare Gwilliam, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Maria Quigley, Palmer & Howells
- Mario Sanchez, BaxterStorey
- Jessica Sweetlove, Sodexo
Chef of the Year
- Ian Page, Sodexo Live!
- Sam Pearce, Olive Dining
- David Ridgway, Smart Group
- Gareth Ruck, BM Caterers
- Steven Snowdon, Lexington Catering
CSER Award
- Argyll and Bute Council
- Chartwells Universities and University of Sussex
- Dinner Ladies
- Houston & Hawkes
- Juniper Ventures
- Travers Smith
Education Caterer of the Year
Sponsored by Uniware
- Mellors Catering Services
- Olive Dining
- Thomas Deacon Education Trust
Event Caterer of the Year
- Fika Catering
- Food by Dish
- Green & Fortune
- Sodexo Live! with Royal Ascot
Front of House Team of the Year
- Bennett Hay reception team at Boston Consulting Group
- Lexington Reception Services at 70 St Mary Axe
- Rapport Guest Services at Norton Rose Fulbright
General Manager of the Year
- Joanne Allen, Company of Cooks
- Nick Brand, Genuine Dining
- Mark Lawrence, Chartwells Universities
- Gavin Loud, TNS Catering
- Kimberley MacDonald, BaxterStorey
Healthcare Caterer of the Year
Sponsored by Bidfood
- Care UK
- Health & Independent Living Support
- Meallmore
- Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
- White Oaks
Healthy Eating Champion
- Hannah Allan, Elior UK
- Valentina De Pascale, Palmer & Howells
- Kate Hilton, Sodexo UK & Ireland
- Josh Key, Houston & Hawkes
Innovation Award
Sponsored by RDA
- Country Court
- ESS
- Foodbuy Group
- Mellors Catering Services
People and Training Award
- Jenna Calderbank, Mellors Catering Services
- Liam Hatcher and the people and development team, CH&Co
- People team, Rapport
- Lauren Stirling, Elior UK
Regional Manager of the Year
- Graham Ashfield, Mellors Catering Services
- Pedro Ferreira, Bennett Hay
- Holly Finch, Genuine Dining
- Darren Gilbertson, BaxterStorey
- Sam Mitchell, Eurest
Retail and Leisure Caterer of the Year
- Colicci
- One Retail, Compass Group
- Sodexo Live! St James’ Park, Newcastle
Rising Star Award
Sponsored by Sodexo
- Anne Knight, Fika Catering
- Zoe Koumi, BaxterStorey
- Chloe Mann, Eurest
- Elisabeth Ortiz Kuefler, BM Caterers
Salesperson of the Year
Sponsored by Dynamify
- Nick Clarke-Brown, Lexington Catering
- Aimee Roberts, Eurest
- Bonnie Taylor, Restaurant Associates
- Paul Taylor, Dine Contract Catering
Supplier Excellence Award
- JJ Foodservice
- Kanpla
- Lolly
- Nemi Teas
- Restaurant Design Associates
There is no shortlist for the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Hoshizaki, or the Extra Mile Award.
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