Alright, gather ‘round, darlings! Lena Ledger Oracle’s got her crystal ball shined and ready to peek into the swirling vortex of the 2025 Cateys. Y’all know what that is, right? Only the *Oscars* of the hospitality world, baby! And let me tell you, this year’s got a flavor all its own – a sustainable one, that is. We’re diving deep into the green scene, specifically with Sodexo UK and their shot at the Sustainable Business Award at The Caterer’s gala, set to bedazzle London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House on July 7th, 2025. Hold onto your hats, ’cause this ain’t just about fancy food; it’s about the future of the industry, one eco-friendly canapé at a time!
Green is the New Gold: Sustainability Takes Center Stage
No way, are we still trashing the planet like there’s no tomorrow? The Cateys are shining a spotlight on something way more important than just a perfectly plated dessert – sustainability. *The Caterer* gets it, bless their hearts! That’s why they’ve split the Sustainable Business Award into two categories this year: one for the big shots with over £20 million in turnover, and another for the smaller fry. It’s like recognizing the difference between an elephant and a nimble squirrel, both climbing the same sustainability tree.
This ain’t just a feel-good initiative either. It’s a sign of the times! Restaurants, hotels, catering companies – they’re all waking up and realizing that “going green” isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifeline. They’re investing serious time and money into cutting down on their environmental impact. Think plant-based options exploding on menus, companies racing to hit low-carbon meal targets by 2030, and equipment suppliers like Unox UK Ltd stepping up to provide the tools for a greener kitchen. Sponsoring the Sustainable Business Award? That’s not just good PR; it’s a stake in the future, y’all!
Sodexo’s Sustainable Shuffle: A Triple Threat Nomination
Sodexo UK, now they are the big kahuna, a force to be reckoned with in the hospitality galaxy. This year, they’re not just attending the party, they’re nominated for *three* awards, and the Sustainable Business Category is one of ’em! Talk about impressive.
It ain’t just talk either. Their Heritage Portfolio, a catering whiz within Sodexo Live!, snagged two big wins at the Scottish Excellence Awards back in March. Clearly, these folks are doing something right across the board. But it doesn’t stop there. Sodexo is also putting their money where their mouth is by sponsoring both the International Outstanding Achievement Award and the Special Award. They aren’t just chasing the spotlight; they’re sharing it with the whole dang industry. That’s class, baby!
Technology & Taste: Innovation Beyond the Plate
But Sodexo’s ambitions reach way beyond just sustainability, and that’s another reason why they’re shortlisted for the Foodservice Cateys and the Best Use of Innovative Technology award. This category is a testament to how businesses are using technology to revamp customer experiences and make their operations smoother than a freshly iced cake.
They’re in good company too – Genuine Dining, Restaurant Associates, Baxter, and Fika Catering are all vying for the same tech prize. This showcases how diverse the approaches to innovation are within the industry, with each company finding unique ways to blend technology and hospitality. From streamlining ordering processes to personalizing the dining experience, the possibilities are endless, and Sodexo is right in the thick of it.
Beyond the Glitz: Recognizing the Whole Hospitality Family
Now, the Cateys ain’t just about crowning the biggest names, but also acknowledging the unsung heroes and the rising stars. The Event Caterer of the Year, Boutique Caterer of the Year, Business and Industry Caterer of the Year – they all shine a light on the different corners of the hospitality world. Even smaller operations like Fika Catering get their moment in the sun!
Then you’ve got the awards that are kept hush-hush until the big night – the International Outstanding Achievement Award, the Special Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. These are for the folks who’ve poured their heart and soul into the industry, the ones who’ve shaped it and inspired others. Speaking of inspiration, big ups to chefs Brian Turner and Mark Birchall, and hotelier Nina Basset, who are receiving top gongs in 2025 for their outstanding contributions!
And let’s not forget *The Caterer* Supplier Awards! These bad boys celebrate the suppliers who keep the whole shebang running – the folks who provide the food, the drinks, the equipment, and the technology that make hospitality magic happen. It’s a full-circle kinda thing, recognizing that it takes a village to raise a restaurant.
Companies like Square, Compass, Matthew Clark, and Carlsberg Britvic are sponsoring the whole shebang, showing that they’re invested in the growth and innovation of the industry. These sponsors see how crucial it is to support and encourage folks in this arena.
Fate’s Sealed, Baby!
So, what’s the final verdict from your friendly neighborhood ledger oracle? The 2025 Cateys are shaping up to be a doozy, a celebration of sustainability, innovation, and the sheer grit of the hospitality industry. Sodexo’s in the mix, guns blazing, with a triple nomination that proves they’re not just talkin’ the talk, but walkin’ the sustainable walk. As for who’s gonna win? Well, that’s for the judges to decide. But one thing’s for sure: the future of hospitality is looking greener than ever! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go check my own bank balance. Even oracles have overdraft fees, y’all!
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