Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the haute cuisine world of hospitality awards. But hold the hollandaise, this isn’t your grandma’s white-tablecloth affair. We’re talking about The Cateys 2025, and it’s getting a serious sustainability upgrade. Think of it as the industry’s annual debugging session, where the best and brightest shine, and the greenest get the gold.
The Cateys, hosted at the swanky JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on July 7th, 2025, are basically the Oscars for restaurants, hotels, pubs, and all things foodservice. These awards aren’t just a pat on the back; they’re a benchmark, a signal that you’re not just serving up grub, but you’re doing it with innovation, dedication, and increasingly, a hefty dose of environmental responsibility. This year, the Cateys are like a freshly compiled piece of code with new flags and checks for sustainable practices.
Debugging the Green Divide: SMEs Step Up
Here’s the juicy bit: The Caterer, the industry bible, has tweaked the Sustainable Business Award, and it’s a game-changer. Previously, it was a free-for-all, pitting giant corporations against tiny startups. Now, they’ve split it into two categories: one for businesses with an annual turnover over £20 million, and another, the “Sustainable Business Award (SME),” for the little guys. This is huge. It’s like finally getting a proper compiler that doesn’t penalize you for using a lean operating system.
James Stagg, the editor of The Caterer, gets it. He’s basically saying, “Yo, we see you putting in the work to be eco-friendly, and we’re not gonna let your efforts get buried under a mountain of corporate cash.” This split recognizes that a mom-and-pop bakery can’t throw the same resources at sustainability as a multinational hotel chain, but their efforts are just as valuable, if not more so. It’s like comparing apples to oranges: both fruit, both nutritious, but totally different beasts.
FarmED: Sustainable SME Champion
And the winner is… FarmED! Based in Chipping Norton, FarmED snagged the Sustainable Business Award (SME), sponsored by Tork. Now, if you haven’t heard of FarmED, get ready to have your mind blown. They’re all about farm and food education, which translates to teaching folks about sustainable agriculture, responsible eating, and generally being good stewards of the land. They’re basically the Yoda of sustainable farming.
Their victory proves that sustainability isn’t just for the big players. It’s a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a whole lotta elbow grease. FarmED shows us that even small businesses can make a massive impact. It’s like writing a killer script in Python instead of Java: less code, same awesome result.
Beyond FarmED: A Sustainable Ecosystem
FarmED is just the tip of the iceberg. The Cateys 2025 shortlist is packed with other contenders doing their part for the planet. Sodexo, for instance, is getting props for its net-zero supply chain strategy. Calcot & Spa, Lamington Group, and Delaware North UK are also in the running, showcasing innovative approaches to hospitality. And let’s not forget Point A Hotels and The Swan Hotel, proving that sustainability is spreading like wildfire across the industry.
The Supplier Awards, running alongside the main Cateys, shine a light on the unsung heroes of sustainability. These are the companies providing the innovative products and services that help operators become more eco-friendly. They’re the open-source libraries that make our lives as developers a whole lot easier.
The Cateys are more than just handing out trophies; they’re actively fostering innovation and encouraging participation in sustainability. By creating separate categories for SMEs, they’re leveling the playing field and sending a clear message: sustainability is no longer optional. It’s a core expectation for any business that wants to thrive in the modern hospitality landscape.
The buzz around the Cateys is amplified on social media with hashtags like #cateys2025 and #thecateys. FarmED is actively celebrating their win, showing the value of the award in raising awareness and validating their efforts. Exclusive Collection Hotels proudly displays its past Cateys awards, including the 2024 Sustainable Business Award, demonstrating the prestige and long-term benefits associated with winning. It’s like getting a validation from Google: you know you’re doing something right.
System Reboot: Sustainability as Standard
Ultimately, The Cateys 2025 are a reflection of the changing times. Sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it’s a central value driving innovation and shaping the future of hospitality. The awards provide a platform to showcase best practices, celebrate achievements, and inspire others to embrace a more sustainable approach.
As the industry gears up for the big night at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, the shortlisted businesses stand as beacons of excellence, proving that dedication, innovation, and a commitment to the planet can lead to sweet success. And hey, even if my coffee budget is screaming for mercy, I can sleep a little easier knowing that some folks out there are actually trying to build a better, greener future, one sustainable award at a time. The system’s down, man! (Just kidding… mostly.)
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