Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving deep into the greasy gears of the hospitality industry, specifically the Cateys 2025 – think of them as the Oscars, but for chefs, bartenders, and anyone who can sling a plate of grub like a ninja. And guess what’s trending harder than avocado toast? Sustainability, baby! Sodexo, they’re in the running for the Sustainable Business Award, and yours truly, the Rate Wrecker, is here to break down why this matters more than a perfectly pulled espresso.
The Cateys: More Than Just Fancy Food
The Cateys, hitting the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on July 7th, 2025, is where the hospitality big dogs come to strut their stuff. It’s a celebration of talent, innovation, and, increasingly, sustainability. We’re talking about restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels – the whole shebang. It’s not just about slapping some truffle oil on everything; it’s about setting standards and pushing the industry forward.
The buzz around the 2025 awards is all about businesses stepping up their green game. And to recognize that, *The Caterer* has smartly divided the Sustainable Business Award into two categories: one for the big boys (over £20 million turnover) and one for the SMEs (under £20 million). Why? Because a small cafe’s sustainability efforts look real different compared to, say, Sodexo. It’s like comparing a Raspberry Pi to a supercomputer. Both are computers, but you wouldn’t run a server farm on a Pi, would you?
Sodexo’s Sustainability Push: Beyond the Greenwashing
Sodexo UK isn’t just nominated for the Sustainable Business Category; they’re shortlisted for three awards in total. That’s like hitting a three-pointer in the finals. Plus, they’re throwing their weight behind the industry by sponsoring the International Outstanding Achievement Award and the Special Award.
Now, let’s talk about sustainability. It’s not just about slapping a “organic” label on everything and calling it a day. It’s about the whole system. Sodexo is actively being recognized for innovative steps taken to minimize their environmental footprint, with examples including ensuring a significant percentage of main meals are plant-based and actively working towards low-carbon meal options by 2030. That’s the kind of forward-thinking that makes me wanna upgrade my coffee budget.
The Sustainable Business Award is sponsored by Unox UK Ltd, and that’s significant. It shows that equipment suppliers are also invested in sustainability, which means they’re developing gear that helps businesses reduce their environmental impact. It’s a gear up that will help many operators improve their environmental practices and minimizing their impact.
Innovation and Legacy: Beyond the Plate
But the Cateys aren’t just about being green. They also celebrate innovation. Sodexo’s nomination for Best Use of Innovative Technology, alongside Genuine Dining and Restaurant Associates, shows they’re not afraid to use tech to improve things. From streamlining operations to enhancing the customer experience, tech is becoming a game-changer in the hospitality world. Restaurant Associates and Fika Catering are also in the running, proving that innovation isn’t limited to one type of business.
The Cateys also recognize the stalwarts of the industry through awards like the International Outstanding Achievement Award, the Special Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Square). These aren’t publicly shortlisted, so they add an element of suspense to the ceremony. These awards are for the folks who’ve dedicated their careers to hospitality and left a lasting impact. This year, chefs Brian Turner and Mark Birchall, and hotelier Nina Basset, are getting top honors. These people aren’t just serving food; they’re building legacies.
The *Caterer* Supplier Awards give shout-outs to the suppliers who are innovating in food, drink, equipment, and tech. These are the folks behind the scenes who are helping operators raise the bar. Companies like Square, Compass, Matthew Clark, and Carlsberg Britvic sponsor the awards, showing their commitment to growth and innovation within the industry. They realize that if the base level of suppliers rises then everyone can benefit.
System Down, Man
The Cateys are more than just a pat on the back; they’re a reflection of the industry’s values. And right now, sustainability and innovation are at the top of the menu. Sodexo’s multiple nominations, particularly for the Sustainable Business Award, are a sign that they’re taking these values seriously. As the industry gears up for the 2025 ceremony, it’s clear that the Cateys will continue to be a platform for celebrating excellence and inspiring the next generation of hospitality leaders.
For those companies that are failing to innovate and failing to show environmental responsibility, then it looks like the system has crashed, man!
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