The shortlist for the 2021 Supplier Awards organised by The Caterer has been revealed, recognising excellence and innovation in food, drink, and equipment products within the hospitality sector.
The judging, which took place at Westminster Kingsway College, and at The Caterer's offices in London, saw food and drink products evaluated by industry chefs and consultants alongside three senior lecturers at the college, and equipment debated and discussed at length by industry specialists from across all sectors of hospitality.
Lisa Jenkins, managing editor of The Caterer and chair of the judging panels, said: "Despite the past tumultuous 20 months we received hundreds of entries and have seen so much innovation showing the resilience of suppliers. The equipment categories also showed incredible developments in versatile and flexible kit. It gives us immense pleasure to share these results and to recognise the creativity and technological advances in the supplier sector."
Judge Adam Bateman, culinary director at the Grand hotel in Birmingham, said: “It’s my third year of being involved with *The Caterer’*s Supplier awards, and I can’t wait to return next year. It’s a vital part of seeing new and innovative products from a broad range of suppliers across our industry and as always there were some really stand-out products.”
Drinks specialist Neil Phillips, also known as the Wine Tipster, added: “I always look forward to the judging of The Caterer's Supplier Awards, as I really enjoy working with the other judges, who bring such a range of skills, experience and passion. The high quality of product development and innovation shown by the suppliers in each of the categories is so inspiring and communicates such a positive message for our industry.”
The results of the Supplier Awards will be announced at a Facebook Live virtual awards ceremony on the 15 December (click here to register for the event). The winners will be sent individual Supplier Award trophies and winners’ collateral for their websites and marketing purposes.
Bakery Product of the Year
Cold Beverage Award
Dessert of the Year
Hot Beverage Award
Larder and Dairy Product of the Year
Meat and Poultry Product of the Year
Plant-Based Product of the Year
Seafood Product of the Year
Beverage Equipment Award
FOG & Waste Equipment Award
Hygiene Product of the Year
Light Equipment Product of the Year
Multi-functional cooking product of the Year
Prime Cooking Product of the Year
Rapid cooking product of the Year
Sustainable Product Award
Technology - Innovation of the Year
Technology - Workforce Management Award
Warewasher of the Year
The 2021 winners’ supplement will be published in the 14 January 2022 issue of The Caterer.
The 2021 Supplier Awards judges were Andrew Aston, head of wellness and nutrition, BaxterStorey; Julie Barker, foodservice consultant; Adam Bateman, culinary director, the Grand hotel Birmingham; David Bentley, consultant, Bentley Associates; Ed Bircham, director, Humble Arnold Associates; Al Crisci; directorate of safety and rehabilitation, HMPPS; Julian Edwards, consultant, Foodservice Allergen Management; Kate Gould, consultant; Keg Catering Equipment Evaluation Services; Mark Kendall, commercial director, CedaBond; Vic Laws, consultant, AVL Consultancy; Steve Munkley, vice-president Craft Guild of Chefs and consultant chef, Steve Munkley Associates; Charlotte Partridge, senior procurement analyst, CH&Co; Jane Pendlebury, chief executive, Hospa; drinks specialist Neil Phillips; Charlotte Rouse, head of mobilisations and supply chain for London, BaxterStorey; Mark Taylor, director, Bloom Foodservice; Jamie Warley, head pastry chef, Sofitel London St James; Carl Weldon, chief operating officer, HFTP; Charlie Weller, key account manager, Space Group and Ken Winch, consultant, Ken Winch Design.