Newbury man wins top food industry award

Actor James Nesbitt presented the prize at the Catey Awards in the Grosvenor House Hotel, London

A NEWBURY man has won the most sought after accolade within the food services industry.

Phil Hooper, corporate affairs director for Sodexo UK and Ireland, picked up the Food Service Caterer Award at the Cateys 2011, held at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

The Cateys celebrates the successes of the individuals and organisations within the food industry, and the Food Service Caterer Award goes to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.

Mr Hooper, who has worked for Sodexo for 35 years, received a standing ovation from more than 1,000 guests at the ceremony as he received the award.

Commenting on his outstanding win, Mr Hooper said: “I am absolutely thrilled and shocked to have won, especially since our industry has many of the very best talent around.

“It wasn't until the host started to describe the winner's achievements that I thought – that sounds remarkably familiar. And, before I knew it, I was on stage receiving the award.

“It was a fantastic night and I am truly grateful to the industry and its people.

“This recognition is incredibly humbling and makes it all worthwhile.”

The judges, who comprised of experts from the hospitality industry, commented: “The winner of this Catey is a bit of a rarity in hospitality - or in any industry for that matter - for having spent his whole career with one company.

“He has moved his organisation forward in several key ways, with new initiatives on training, healthy living and corporate responsibility.”

Mr Hooper also recently won the Cost Sector Catering's prestigious Blue Riband Award for his outstanding contribution to the industry.