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How important are Michelin stars to the hospitality industry?

Michelin stars are a long-standing benchmark of the hospitality industry and play a great part in helping consumers and industry peers judge the standard of top-end establishments. They are not, however, important to the contract catering industry.

Bill Toner, chief executive, Aramark

Having an association with a Michelin-starred chef provides a vote of confidence for a contract catering company, not just from the customers, who know they are getting a certain quality of food, but from the chef himself. It has tremendous benefits for all concerned.

Robyn Jones, chief executive, Charlton House

Michelin stars are an integral part of raising your profile, and the revenue generated should never be underestimated.

Paul Morgan, general manager, Combe Grove Manor country house hotel, near Bath

They set an excellent benchmark and require consistency from the chef throughout the year. For the business, their impact on revenue is huge.

Chris Galvin, executive chef, the Wolseley, London

They're more important to the industry than they are to punters.

Mark Manson, director, Simply Chefs by Hocaps

Michelin's The Red Guide to Great Britain & Ireland 2004 will be in the bookshops on Friday. For a full list of promotions and demotions of stars see www.caterer-online.com.