5th March, 2024
VOCO Riyadh
Nomination Deadline: 20th February 2024
The Awards
The Leaders in F&B Awards 2024 is coming to the Kingdom!
The prestigious event will be held in Riyadh, a region with a strong culinary heritage and a thriving food scene, in March this year. A mix of tradition and modernity, Saudi Arabia's food and beverage scene is a vibrant and diverse landscape that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom. The Kingdom's commitment to economic diversification and tourism development has contributed to the growth of the hospitality industry, attracting renowned chefs and fostering a dynamic culinary scene. With a blend of traditional flavours and modern gastronomic trends, Saudi Arabia's food and beverage scene is evolving, offering a delightful experience for locals and visitors alike. We are excited to honour and celebrate all the efforts, innovations, and masterminds behind Saudi Arabia's incredible F&B sector.
FOOD SERVICE CATEGORIES
Catering Company of the Year
This award is for catering businesses, big or small, that work in event catering. This includes fixed and temporary venue conference and banqueting, corporate hospitality services at events, and large events such as sports games and concerts both fixed site and temporary. The winning business should show it brought new ideas and value to clients and customers, along with evident commercial success over the last 12 months.
Leading Plant- BASED SUPPLIERS
This award goes to the best supplier of plant-based meat in the region in terms of quality, range, and availability.
Gourmet Cinema Food
Cinema food is no longer just popcorn and candy. Cinemas have elevated their F&B offerings and expanded their reach beyond just the movies. This award recognises the best cinema menu.
Leading Foodtech
Company
This award category recognises the top foodtech company across all business operations and segments, including creativity in the solution created, the positive impact it has had on society and food security in the region, and the best use of technology coupled with a stellar customer experience offering.
Fastest Growing Foodservice Supplier
This company will have continued to go from strength to strength, confounding the headwinds it faces with an innovative and dynamic approach to business, which has driven consistent sales growth.
Leader in Foodservice
Innovation
This award recognises innovative, new, or updated products and services which exemplify a company’s adaptability and resilience in three categories: sustainability, technology, and safety and health.
Leading Delivery Platform
Recognising the top-performing online platform that excels in delivering a wide variety of food and beverage options to consumers.
Supplier Excellence Award
The supply chain is an important element in the hotel and catering industry. They keep every shelf stocked and provide vital services to all businesses. This award will be given to the company that displays excellence in supplying goods or services to the foodservice sector while delivering value to its clients and performing services that exceed expectations.
Leading Cloud Kitchen
Capitalising on the delivery-only customer, the winning cloud kitchen concept saw an opportunity for growth, supported the restaurant industry, and allowed new chefs to enter the food industry without any difficulty.
Best F&B Marketing Campaign
This award honours the best use of traditional and digital media in a marketing campaign by a food and beverage brand. Campaign objectives may include the launch of a new product, the opening of a restaurant, the promotion of a sustainable food brand and more.
Best F&B Sustainable Practices
This award goes to the F&B brand be it a service or product provider, that has created and implemented creative sustainability strategies and practices that have a strong impact on the environment.
Front of House Team of the Year
This category is available for teams in event catering, staff dining, leisure, and reception services. To win, the team should show dedication to exceptional service, great communication, and a strong effort to exceed expectations for clients and/or customers in the past year.
Top Beverage
Distributor
Applauding suppliers that provide an extensive and diverse range of beverages, from soft drinks to specialty and alcoholic beverages.
Outstanding Dairy
Product Supplier
Commending suppliers that excel in delivering the highest quality dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and other related items.
Leading Frozen Food Supplier
of the Year
This award recognises a company that stands out for its excellence in providing top-quality frozen food products. This supplier has demonstrated exceptional commitment to delivering a diverse range of frozen options, maintaining high standards of quality, and meeting the needs of the foodservice industry with reliability and innovation.
Outstanding Delivery Time Performance
Celebrating platforms that consistently achieve quick and reliable delivery times, ensuring customer satisfaction every time.
Best User-Friendly
App Interface
Commending platforms that offer a seamless and user-friendly mobile or web application interface for an enhanced customer experience.
Airline Catering Company of the Year
This award recognises the outstanding achievements of a catering company that has consistently delivered exceptional food and beverage services to the airline industry. Their commitment to quality, hygiene, and efficient service, even at high altitudes, sets them apart. The winner has successfully elevated the in-flight dining experience.
RESTAURANT CATEGORIES
Leading Sustainable
Restaurant
A commitment to sustainability is one of the most important factors a venue can offer the community and the entire world. The Leading Sustainable Restaurant winner will have demonstrated extraordinary efforts and achievements when it comes to environmentally friendly practices, sparing no efforts whenever possible to source ingredients ethically and locally, manage waste, and more, while encouraging a sustainable lifestyle
Leading Healthy
Restaurant
A healthy lifestyle is at the forefront of current food trends across the globe, and in the region. Setting an example with its goodness-oriented offerings, this restaurant will boast a menu that caters to a range of diners’ choices and preferences when it comes to nutritional value. Not only does it serve options for everyone from vegans and vegetarians, to flexitarians and many others, but the Leading Healthy restaurant must have championed initiatives to educate and inform the masses on the benefits of a balanced lifestyle.
Leading Homegrown
Restaurant Brand
There is no shortage of homegrown F&B in the region, and the UAE in specific. Unique interiors, exceptional service and dishes, and a cuisine connoisseur spearheading the kitchen are among some of the criteria for the winner in this category. This restaurant will have brought something new to the scene and demonstrated its ability to cater to local tastes while maintaining a global outlook for the top F&B formula.
Disruptor of the Year
The Disruptor of the Year is simply in it to win it! Changing an aspect of the industry as we know it, they must have put their own twist on the business. From ground-breaking concepts and foodie gatherings, to game-changing delivery services and multi-functional digital platforms, the Disruptor of the Year’s business model must be original, solid and creative, commanding its own place in the market and triggering change.
Best Newcomer
Newcomers keep things fresh and add to an industry that is already saturated with a plethora of concepts. The Best Newcomer Award recognises an F&B concept which was launched within this year and has demonstrated remarkable performance. Whether it is a new kid on the block in the street food arena, or a sophisticated venue targeting luxury dining seekers, the winner will have redefined standards and introduced a completely new flavour to the industry.
Best Interior Design
The first aspect to catch diners’ eyes upon arrival, interior design can often make or break a venue. When it comes to a full-on dining experience, aesthetics and ambience are either hits or misses. Best Interiors and Design, an award which is to be entered as a collaboration between the designer and outlet, recognises an impeccably designed space which reflects everything from diner style to price point, also ensuring a seamless workflow and highly efficient operations.
Leading Casual Dining Restaurant
Ah, who does not want to experience the bliss of casual dining done right? One of the hardest tricks to master, the winning restaurant in this category needs to have perfected the art of casual dining, offering a relaxed, informal space to its customers – while maintaining quality when it comes to food and beverage operations, as well as setting.
Leading Fine Dining Restaurant
One of the most important categories, primarily because of the region’s love towards opulence and luxury, the Leading Fine Dining Restaurant has it all. An exclusive, luxurious venue, it will be detail-oriented to the highest of standards, offering faultless service and tantalising dishes that reflect the true essence of high-end dining. Customers can expect an out-of-this-world approach at this restaurant, with experienced, knowledgeable staff catering to diners’ needs in complete harmony with the restaurant’s ethos.
Leading Nightlife Venue
Despite the temporary ban on entertainment, venues have still managed to offer exceptional experiences. From getting the vibes moving, to lighting and sound equipment to complement this and more – these are all factors that are key to a magnificent nightlife experience. A hot city spot, the Leading Nightlife Venue will offer exciting times that appeal to a range of partygoers and first-time guests.
Leading Sports Bar
Sports fans, rejoice! While the pandemic may have pulled the plug on some of our favourite games, whether it is the latest in football or cricket, the Leading Sports Bar will be the perfect venue for customers to watch a game with the optimum selection of food and beverages to go along with it. This outlet will feature big screens and a comfortable ambience in true spirit of the world of sport.
Leading Brunch Concept
The top Brunch Concept will be a winner in the game, featuring a variety of food offerings and the right ambience to go along with it – with a focus on service standards and a short-but-sweet, or longer, dining experience for its target crowd.
Leading Fusion Restaurant
Whether it’s a contribution to societal goals of a philanthropic, activist, or charitable nature, this award category covers the different ways through which a property can “give back” – whether in or out of season – all year long.
Leading Cafe
Looking for tasty sips or quick bites? Cafés in the region are one step ahead when it comes to solid offerings – the beating heart of the dining scene. Known for some of the best spots, the Middle East has brought extra flair and attention to detail to the concept, and that is why we will be awarding whoever has done it best this year in this important category.
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
This award celebrates a Middle Eastern restaurant that delivers authentic dishes, and whose atmosphere and experience takes diners on a cultural exploration of exceptional flavours and traditions of the Middle East.
Best Indian Restaurant
We are looking for the best Indian restaurant in the region. From taste to design, this award will honour the restaurant that best captures the rich flavours of Indian cuisine while taking guests on a cultural journey.
Best East Asian
Restaurant
A continent incredibly rich and diverse when it comes to different cultures and cuisines. This award honours a restaurant that has truly brought the distinctive aromas and traditions of East Asia to the Middle East.
Best themed
Restaurant
When choosing a restaurant, food, price, and location are all key, but many have added another layer – this award goes to the best-themed restaurant in the region that has gained popularity with its out-of-this-world uniqueness.
Family-friendly Restaurant
of the Year
Hygiene in restaurants is of paramount importance. This award goes to the restaurant that displays impeccable hygiene that goes above and beyond standard guidelines.
Leading Fast-Food Chain
This award celebrates the best ranking fast-food chain in the region, from quality, service, revenue, and reach.
Best Mexican Restaurant
Tacos, tortillas, chips and guac– from cuisine to ambience we will be crowning the best Mexican restaurant in the region.
Best Sushi Franchise
With so many sushi options to choose from, which one is the region’s most wanted? We are looking for the most successful sushi chain in the region from revenue to rankings.
Best Vegan F&B Concept
Veganism is one of the most popular trends in F&B right now, this award recognises the vegan restaurant that has brought a unique concept to the market giving consumers a delicious plant-based experience.
Wine Program of the Year
Applauding restaurants that excel in curating an exceptional wine selection, offering a diverse and well-matched wine list.
Best Outdoor Dining Venue
Commending restaurants that offer an exceptional dining experience in an outdoor setting, whether it's a garden, terrace, or patio.
Best Chef-Driven Restaurant
Applauding restaurants that showcase the vision and culinary expertise of a specific chef, offering a unique and personalised dining experience like no other.
Best Italian Restaurant
This restaurant is celebrated for its mastery of Italian cuisine, from classic dishes to innovative interpretations, all served in a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
Best Burger Joint
This award recognises the ultimate destination for burger enthusiasts. This winning spot stands out for crafting mouth-watering burgers, delivering delicious flavours, and creating a satisfying experience for burger lovers.
Best Greek Restaurant
This restaurant is recognised for its authentic flavours, warm atmosphere, and dedication to delivering an exceptional Greek dining experience. From traditional dishes to modern twists, it stands out as the go-to destination for those seeking the best in Greek dishes.
Dessert Brand of the Year
This award goes to the standout brand that has sweetened our taste buds and left a lasting impression. This brand is recognised for its delectable treats, creative confections, and unwavering commitment to dessert excellence.
Best Hotel Restaurant
Recognising excellence in dining experiences within a hotel, considering factors such as menu variety, quality of food, service, and ambiance.
Best Hotel Lounge
Highlighting hotels with exceptional bars or lounges known for their cocktails, ambiance, and social atmosphere.
Best Room Service
Awarding hotels that provide exemplary room service experiences, considering the menu variety, timeliness of delivery, and presentation.
PEOPLE CATEGORY
LEADING F&B DIRECTOR
The maestro of it all, bringing all elements of the dining experience together, the Leading Hotel F&B Director award highlights the achievements of an individual who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to exceed KPIs, streamlining operational processes, developing and enhancing restaurant concepts and maintaining excellence in team leadership and management.
CHEF OF THE YEAR
There is no restaurant without the chef, and we send our compliments to those who have made our table as appealing and unique as can be. Open to head chefs and executive chefs, the Chef of the Year Award recognises an individual who has shown passion for the art of cooking, in addition to culinary flair and a strong skillset pertaining to overseeing kitchen operations efficiently while managing costs.
PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR
The Middle Eastern scene boasts some of the most beautiful, artistic creations in the world of pastry. The Pastry Chef of the Year is a master of his craft, with a strong grasp of the fundamentals, as well as a flair for new techniques and sourcing quality ingredients. Their creations are the talk of the town, consistently exceeding expectations with a “wow” factor.
YOUNG F&B LEADER
With remarkable achievements at a young age, this recipient is a force to be reckoned with. Under 30 years old, the winner of this award is a young pioneer has made headlines in the Middle East’s competitive F&B scene with an exciting new restaurant or catering concept, an innovative F&B tech platform or a supply chain or food service solution.
F&B HEAVYWEIGHT
The heavyweight means business and business here is that of the dynamic F&B industry. A CEO of a restaurant group with a well-known brand, or a number of ventures, under their leadership, the F&B Heavyweight will be handling a portfolio of more than ten outlets in the GCC with a pipeline of openings in the near future reflecting strength and popularity.
BARISTA OF THE YEAR
There is nothing like a good coffee! The Barista of the Year will know the formula that works – and work it into the menu. From cappuccinos, to flat whites, ask any coffee lover and they will tell you, they are a force to be reckoned with.
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
Armed with the best ingredients and a flair for good beverages, the Barista of the Year has a deep understanding of flavour combinations that work. They are familiar with the classics and are not afraid to experiment, all while successfully managing their time and maintaining outstanding customer service as well as teamwork skills.
BEST RESTAURANT TEAM OF THE YEAR
The KSA and region are home to some of the most dynamic teams in the industry, most of which have endured extra pressure during the pandemic. An F&B team who consistently demonstrates operational excellence and exceptional productivity along with attention to detail, the winning service team will have full control over internal communication and customer service.
F&B MARKETEER OF THE YEAR
Putting the brand out there and measuring success while gauging demand for newer offerings, a marketeer understands the market and can predict any obstacles or challenges – and formulate strategies and solutions to overcome them. The F&B Marketeer will have a clear vision when it comes to conceptualising, planning and implementing effective F&B campaigns.
RESTAURANT MANAGER/GENERAL
MANAGER OF THE YEAR
With one of the most hands-on roles in the industry, the Restaurant General Manager of the Year is responsible for a very successful restaurant brand born in the Middle East or abroad; they will be wellversed in the ins and outs of running a restaurant and boast a strong business acumen.
F&B Entrepreneur(s)
of the Year
The star of the stars, a visionary, the F&B Entrepreneur thinks across the board. From manpower to taking over the market, they bring new ideas to the table with their concepts, ensuring their model achieves the desired success rates and targets in no time. Who has made it to the top in the industry’s most challenging years?
F&B PR Manager
of the year
From creating and maintaining the best public image for their brands to constantly and effectively communicating key information and finding opportunities for their brands to shine, this award honours the F&B PR manager of the year.
OPERATION MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Managing and maintaining food and beverage operations, standards, budgets, and more - this award acknowledges the one who oversees the big picture of their organisation and keeps all things running smooth.
BAR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
The Bar Manager of the Year Award recognising and rewards the hugely significant role that Bar Managers play in every successful licensed outlet.
WAITSTAFF/SERVER OF THE YEAR
Acknowledging an exceptional waiter or server who consistently provides excellent service, demonstrates professionalism, and enhances the dining experience.
SOMMELIER
OF THE YEAR
Applauding a knowledgeable and skilled sommelier who enhances the dining experience through expert wine selection and pairing.
INNOVATOR IN
MIXOLOGY
Applauding an individual who has brought innovation and creativity to the world of mixology, pushing the boundaries of cocktail creation.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Celebrating an individual with a long and distinguished career in the food and beverage industry, recognising their significant contributions and impact.
CULINARY ICON AWARD
This prestigious honour will be presented to a legendary chef who has left an indelible mark on the culinary world, shaping, and elevating the industry over decades. This culinary visionary whose exceptional skill, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the craft have not only set them apart but have also inspired countless chefs worldwide. The recipient of the Culinary Icon Award is celebrated not only for their culinary success but also for their influence, mentorship, and significant contributions that have enriched and transformed the culinary landscape.
LEADING F&B GROUP OF THE YEAR
This award honours the top-performing food and beverage organisation that has demonstrated excellence in various aspects of the industry. This group stands out for its exceptional leadership, innovative strategies, and overall impact on the culinary landscape. This award celebrates the outstanding achievements and influence of the winning group over the past year.
Hospitality Innovator of the Year
Recognising an executive who has introduced innovative concepts, practices, or initiatives in the food and beverage sector of the hotel industry, driving positive change and enhancing guest experiences.
Executive Chef of the Year
Honouring the head chef responsible for culinary operations within the hotel, who has exhibited culinary excellence, creativity, and leadership in menu development, kitchen management, and culinary experiences.
Event Manager of the Year
Recognising the manager responsible for planning and executing banquet events and catering services within the hotel, who has shown exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and customer service to ensure successful events and guest satisfaction./p>
Hotel Team of the Year
Recognises the cohesive and dedicated group within a hotel that has consistently demonstrated exceptional teamwork, commitment to guest satisfaction, and excellence in service delivery across all departments.
Sustainability Stewardship Award
Recognising the outstanding commitment and achievements of an individual; team; or entire hotel in sustainable practices within the food and beverage sector of the hotel industry.
Submit Your Nominations Here
- The Leaders in F&B Awards 2024 honours the region's impressive and unstoppable Food and Beverage industry, based on market performance over the past 12 months.
- To participate in this prestigious awards ceremony, you must nominate by choosing one or more categories in our People; Restaurant; and Food & Beverage categories. Support your nomination with evidence of your work, biggest achievements, revenue growth, positive feedback, accreditations, and recognitions as well as images or videos.
- The judging panel consists of an unbiased internal team of experts. They will base their decisions upon areas such as service excellence, quality of the product/service provided, innovative practices, creative spaces, value, sustainable methods of working, consistency in performance, and other key findings. So don't be shy on your nominations!
- Once the judges have finalised a shortlist, Hotel & Catering News Middle East will announce the list on all our digital platforms, so keep an eye out for it! When the shortlist is out, make sure you book your seat to attend the most spectacular night in the industry's calendar!
- The winners will be announced on the night of the awards ceremony. We wish you all the very best of luck and cannot wait to see you soon!
Timeline
20th
February 2024
Leaders In F&b Ksa Awards 2024
Winners will be announced and celebrated at the prestigious Leaders In F&b Ksa Awards Gala Dinner.
5th
March 2024
Sponsorship Packages
Platinum Ally
- Onsite product branding
- Placement of logo on all the event’s marketing collaterals preceding the event
- Placement of logo in event email shots to the Hotel News ME mailing list
- Mentions in press releases and subsequent published materials, including pre- and post-event
- coverage to be featured online and dispersed via relevant social media, and pre- and post-event coverage in print
- Social media Platinum Ally placement
- Placement of logo on event print and digital invitations as platinum sponsor
- Placement of logo on event site branding as platinum sponsor
- Ally seating affords two full tables for the Platinum Ally that will accommodate 8 guests
- Video footage and imagery of the event released for promotional usage
- 6 full print pages to be used at your discretion within a period of six months in any edition of Hotel News ME
Gold Ally
- Placement of logo on all the event’s marketing collaterals preceding the event by 1 months
- Placement of logo in event email shots to the Hotel News ME mailing list
- Mentions in press releases and subsequent published materials, including pre- and post-event coverage to be featured online and dispersed via relevant social media, and pre- and post-event coverage in print
- Social media placement mentions on Hotel News ME platforms
- Placement of logo on event print and digital invitations as Gold Sponsor
- Placement of logo on event site branding as Gold Sponsor
- Ally seating affords one full table for the Gold Ally that will accommodate 4 guests
- Video footage and imagery of the event released for promotional usage
- 4 Full print pages in Hotel News to be used at your discretion within a period of 4 months in any edition of Hotel News ME
Silver Ally
- Placement of logo on all the event’s marketing collaterals preceding the event by 1 months
- Mentions in press releases and subsequent published materials, including pre and post-event coverage to be featured online and dispersed via relevant social media, and pre- and post-event coverage in print
- Placement of logo on event print and digital invitations as Silver sponsor
- Placement of logo on event site branding as Silver sponsor
- Ally seating affords one full table for the Silver Ally that will accommodate 4 guest
- Video footage and imagery of the event released for promotional usage
- 3 Full print pages in Hotel News to be used at your discretion within a period of 3 months in any edition of Hotel News ME
Category Ally
- Placement of logo on all the event’s marketing collaterals preceding the event
- Mentions in press releases and subsequent published materials, including pre and post-event coverage to be featured online and dispersed via relevant social media, and pre- and post-event coverage in print
- Placement of logo on event print and digital invitations as a category sponsor
- Placement of logo on event site branding as a category sponsor
- Ally seating affords one full table for the Silver Ally that will accommodate 4 guests
- Video footage and imagery of the event released for promotional usage
- 1 Full print page in Hotel News to be used at your discretion within any edition of Hotel News ME
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