The Caterer launches new procurement award for 2026 Foodservice Cateys

The Foodservice Cateys 2026 is set to feature a new award recognising procurement professionals driving innovation across the supply chain and delivering measurable value to foodservice operations.

The new Procurement Professional of the Year Award has been 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.

Open to anyone with purchasing responsibility in foodservice, the award will recognise those overseeing the acquisition of goods and services while demonstrating excellence in supplier management, cost control and operational support over the past 12 months. Judges will be looking for candidates who have met or exceeded performance targets and made a tangible impact within their organisation.

Enter the Foodservice Cateys now

James Stagg, editor of The Caterer, said: “Procurement has become an increasingly important specialism in contract catering operations, so it is only right that we recognise the people making such a meaningful difference to their businesses and clients at the Foodservice Cateys.

“We will be celebrating those who are innovating in their dealings with the supply chain and strengthening relationships within their own operations to maximise purchasing performance.

“We’re looking to recognise those procurement professionals working day in day out to deliver cost savings to clients and have made a measurable difference to their own business. Whether they are a procurement manager or director, if they excel in overseeing the acquisition of good and services we want to hear about them.”

The Foodservice Cateys 2026 will take place on 9 October at Royal Lancaster London, bringing together operators, suppliers and industry leaders to celebrate excellence across the sector.

Nominations are now open, with entries closing on Wednesday 24 June.