The Awards
Leaders in Food & Beverage
Leaders in Food & Beverage
Awards 2025
BNC Publishing and Hotel & Catering News Middle East’s Leaders in Food & Beverage Awards 2025 will take place at Dubai.
A region with a strong identity when it comes to F&B, the sector is among major beneficiaries when it comes to GCC government economic diversification drives, and has strengthened its foothold on a global level – which has, in turn, had a positive impact on the food service industry and suppliers.
Furthermore, the funding allocated to tourism and hospitality has been driving the food and beverage industry as well, with the GCC’s F&B market expected to expand.
With new, emerging concepts such as healthoriented dietary habits, veganism and more as well as innovation in food technology, the need for large-scale events that celebrate the industry and highlight the latest trends arises.
International brands and home-grown concepts are invited to take part in the Leaders in Food & Beverage Awards’ ceremony, which will recognise top players in the industry bringing excellence and innovation to the market.
Categories include both People and Restaurants, with some exciting new additions that reflect the dynamic nature of the industry.
Restaurant Categories recognise the best venues in the region, offering exceptional service and world-class dining experiences, as well as the biggest market disruptors, while People Awards celebratevisionaries, leaders and pioneers.
Categories
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- Bassed 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.
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.
Most Hygienic Food Service Operator
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.
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.
Categories
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 of the Year
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.
Most hygienic F&B Restaurant
Hygiene in restaurants is of paramount importance. This award
goes to the restaurant that displays impeccable hygiene that
goes above and beyond standard guidelines.
Sustainable Restaurant of the year
This award celebrates the best ranking fast-food chain in the
region, from quality, service, revenue, and reach.
Family-friendly restaurant of the year
Tacos, tortillas, chips and guac– from cuisine to ambience we
will be crowning the best Mexican restaurant in the region.
Leading fast-food chain
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 Mexican restaurant
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.
Best Sushi Franchise
Applauding restaurants that excel in curating an exceptional
wine selection, offering a diverse and well-matched wine list.
Best Sushi Franchise
Applauding restaurants that excel in curating an exceptional
wine selection, offering a diverse and well-matched wine list.
Best vegan F&B concept
Commending restaurants that offer an exceptional dining
experience in an outdoor setting, whether it's a garden,
terrace, or patio.
Best All American Restaurant
Applauding restaurants that showcase the vision and culinary
expertise of a specific chef, offering a unique and
personalised dining experience like no other.
Categories
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.
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.
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.
Operation Manager/director 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.
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.
Past Awards
2024
Awards
Awards
2023
Awards
Awards
2022
Awards
Awards
2021
Awards
Awards
2019
Awards
Awards
Available Packages
Leaders In F&B Awards 2025 will shine a spotlight on the visionary developers and impactful businesses that are shaping the industry. This invitation-only gala ceremony brings together the best of the world for an evening of recognition and inspiration. Come onboard as we honor individual and industry achievements that redefine success.
| Benefits | Keynote speech | Logo on stage | Logo on invites | Logo on menu | Logo on branding | Video on stage | Display area | Handing trophies | Logo on coverage | Video interview | Seating affords | Advertising in Hotel&Catering* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum Ally | 4 | 3 full tables |
12 full print pages |
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| Gold Ally | 3 | 2 full table |
6 Full print pages |
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| Silver Ally | 2 | 1 full table |
3 Full print pages |
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| Category Ally | 1 | Half table |
1 Full print page |