The nomination deadline for the Caterer Awards 2009 is September 30. The nomination deadline for the Caterer Awards 2009 is September 30.

The expert judging panel for Caterer Middle East magazine’s inaugural F&B industry awards has been confirmed.

The panel, including hospitality industry specialists from around the region, will comprise:

Halima Anderson - director of operations, Ethos Consultancy
Peter Hallmanns - advisory chef, Fonterra Brands Middle East and proprietor of Strategic Food Solutions
Suzanne Husseini - TV chef/presenter
Aidan Keane - founder of specialist leisure and retail design firm, Keane and columnist for Caterer Middle East
Michael Kitts - executive chef and senior lecturer, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
Rob MacLean - principal, National Hospitality Institute, Oman
Junaid Malik - beverage training manager, MMI Bar Academy
Louise Oakley - editor, Hotelier Middle East
Nigel Witham - chartered designer and columnist for Caterer Middle East

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Recognising champions from all areas of the food and beverage industry, the Caterer Middle East Awards 2009 are open to outlets and suppliers across the region, with the lucky winners to be announced in the December issue of the magazine.

These accolades will recognise the top performers in over 20 categories, including Chef of the Year, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Kitchen Team of the Year, Bar Team of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Bar of the Year and Food Supplier of the Year — all of which can be entered free of charge.

Caterer Middle East editor Lucy Taylor said the in-magazine gongs were an ideal opportunity to acknowledge those moving the region into the international food and beverage spotlight.

“The Middle East F&B industry has grown rapidly over the past few years, in both size and strength, to the point where we have outlets to suit every taste,” she said.

”But the market is about more than the venues — it relies on professionals going the extra mile to make their food or team or product a success; and through the Caterer Awards we’re giving the industry an opportunity to recognise F&B champions from all over the region.”