The deadline for entries to the Leaders in Food & Beverage Awards organised by Catering News Middle East, has been extended to 6pm on Sunday 10 September.
Following the huge success of the inaugural event last year, the Leaders in F&B Awards returns on Monday 30 October 2017 at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, to celebrate the best F&B talent and venues in the region.
Nominations are now open for entries across 18 categories, divided into nine restaurant awards and nine people awards.
Crystal Chesters, group editor of BNC Publishing’s hospitality portfolio, commented: “We are delighted to be hosting our second ever Leaders in F&B Awards in October, following a hugely successful launch event in 2016, attended by more than 400 F&B professionals.
“This year we look forward to putting on an even bigger celebration of the best and brightest on the Middle East’s vibrant food and beverage scene.”
The judging panel for the awards is comprised of eight leading food and beverage industry experts who combine years of experience across various aspects of the industry.
The judges are: Helen Morris executive chef / senior lecturer, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management; Sunjeh Raja, director & CEO, International Center for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai); Sarah Hawilo, chief executive officer, SerVme; Ralph Homer, CEO, Restaurant Secrets; Sarah-Jane Grant director, LXA; Uwe Micheel director of kitchens, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek and president, Emirates Culinary Guild; Daniel During, owner, Thomas Klein International; and Anis Harb, regional GM, Deliveroo.
Morris of Emirates Academy, commented: “To be a judge on the Leaders in F&B Awards means I get to be part of recognising and acknowledging some of the outstanding F&B leaders in the Middle East – I feel privileged to be on the judging panel.
“I’m looking for talent in the industry that makes a difference in the job that they do – someone who shows creativity, flair and a passion for the industry. I’m looking for an individual who is an example, not only to themselves, but to the team they work in, and someone who makes a difference in their daily role.”
The individual categories include ‘Young F&B Leader’, ‘Leading F&B Investor’ and ‘Leading F&B Director’, while restaurant awards include ‘Disruptor of the Year’, ‘Leading Homegrown Restaurant Brand’ and ‘Newcomer of the Year’.
Raja, director and CEO of International Centre for Culinary Arts Dubai (ICCA), added: “The awards are about the leaders in the F&B industry and the categories are all well thought-out and interesting, encouraging and supporting the industry.
“I will primarily focus on initiatives to improve the offering, quality and consistency, customer experience and satisfaction, innovation and sustainability and on people and concepts that are unique and different.”
The extended deadline for nominations is Sunday 10 September 2017.
To request a nomination form and find out more about entry requirements and categories, contact catering@bncpublishing.net or go to www.hotelnewsme.com/events/
Sponsoring the event are some of the best-known and most prominent suppliers serving the Middle East’s hospitality industry, including Presenting Sponsor Du, TSSC, Al Rawdah, 1765 Gemini and Boecker Public Health.
Commenting on why his company is sponsoring the awards, Glenn Ewart, commercial director of 1765 Gemini, said: “At 1765 Gemini we have an ethos of supporting the industry from grassroots level upwards and this is a great way to show our ongoing support of such a great industry at this premier event.”
Further partnership opportunities are available. To discuss packages, contact Fred@bncpublishing.net or Dom@bncpublishing.net.
