Gold Medal Catering Awards Crowns Ireland’s Finest Caterers at Inaugural Awards Gala!
Ireland’s catering industry reached a new milestone last night as the Gold Medal Catering Awards celebrated its inaugural winners at a glittering black-tie gala. Hosted in front of a full house of Ireland’s most respected chefs, catering managers, contract caterers, and foodservice professionals, the evening marked a defining moment for a sector that continues to evolve, innovate, and lead.
The Gold Medal Catering Awards was created to shine a spotlight on the exceptional standards being set across the Irish catering landscape, from large-scale contract providers and healthcare caterers to niche event specialists and rising individual stars. The awards programme received over 150 entries in its first year, a testament to the vibrant and competitive spirit within the industry.
Spanning 20 award categories, the competition reflected the full spectrum of Irish catering: contract, healthcare, education, public sector, events, sustainability, customer service, and individual achievement. Entrants underwent a rigorous multi-stage judging process, including in-depth site assessments, mystery dining, and interviews, conducted by an independent panel of experts drawn from across the foodservice and hospitality world.
The calibre of entries in this first year was nothing short of incredible. We launched this programme with the intention of recognising true excellence in Irish catering, and I think we’ve already exceeded expectations. These winners haven’t just met the standard, they’ve set it.”
Trish Murphy, Head of Sales and Sponsorships at Ashville Media
The night itself was a celebration of professionalism and pride. Attendees enjoyed a sparkling prosecco reception, a gourmet three-course dinner, and an atmosphere filled with excitement, camaraderie, and well-deserved recognition. From established companies to passionate individuals, the winners represented the very best of what Irish catering has to offer.
We’ve seen creative, sustainable, and customer-focused work happening in kitchens, canteens, hospitals, and event venues across the country. It’s clear that Irish caterers are not only responding to the evolving needs of clients, they’re anticipating them.”
Member of the judging panel
As the newest addition to the long-standing Gold Medal Awards family, the Gold Medal Catering Awards is poised to become the leading annual celebration for Ireland’s catering sector. With growing demand for foodservice excellence, nutrition-forward thinking, and innovation in sustainability and sourcing, the Gold Medal Catering Awards will continue to raise the profile of those delivering world-class catering in every corner of the country.
For any media or interview queries, please contact Jill Thornton, Head of Events, Ashville Media on 01-6401777 or events@ashvillemediagroup.com
Our Categories:
Barista Of The Year Sodexo Ireland - Gabor Master |
Business & Industry Contract Caterer Of The Year - 1- 250 Employees On Site Gold: Compass Group Ireland at AerCap, Dublin Silver: Sodexo Ireland at AerCap, Shannon |
Business & Industry Contract Caterer Of The Year - Over 250 Employees On Site Sponsored by Excel Recruitment Compass Group Ireland at Google |
Catering Company Of The Year Sponsored by Hotel & Catering Review The Q Café Company Ltd. |
Catering Manager Of The Year Gold: Johnnie Finn - IMI - CCSL Silver: Pat Long - Pat Long Catering |
Chef Manager of The Year Gold: Craig Thunder - Dublin Bus - CCSL Silver: Maciej Hildebrand - Compass Group Ireland |
Club Or Society Franchised Catering Of The Year Sponsored by BaxterStorey Truffle Honey |
Club Or Society In-House Catering Of The Year Sponsored by BaxterStorey Malahide Golf Club |
Education Contract Caterer Of The Year Gold: The Lunch Bag Silver: Pat Long Catering Bronze: Martina's Homemade Foods |
Foodservice Chef Of The Year Sponsored by BWG Gold: Lee Boatman - BaxterStorey Ireland Silver: Shane Heffernan - Compass Group Ireland Bronze: Rory Nolan - FoodSpace – Abbott Kilkenny |
Health & Nutrition Menu Of The Year Gold: The Lunch Bag Silver: Sodexo Ireland at ESB Bronze: Aramark - Peamount Healthcare |
Healthcare Caterer Of The Year Gold: National Maternity Hospital Silver: Bon Secours Galway Catering Team |
Ireland's Event Caterer - 100 Guests Or More Sponsored by Hotel & Catering Review Gold: Orla McAndrew Food Silver: Berman & Wallace |
Ireland's Event Caterer - 100 Guests Or Less Gold: 3Cooks Silver: Fresh & Yummy Gourmet Catering Ltd. |
Menu Provenance Of The Year Gold: Críoch Catering Silver: Muskerry Golf club |
Outstanding Customer Service Of The Year Gold: The Q Cafe Company at Blackrock and Wicklow Hospice Silver: Muskerry Golf Club Bronze: Haynes and Colhoun |
Public Sector Food Of The Year The Q Cafe Company at Teagasc |
Rising Star Sponsored by Excel Recruitment Gold: Amy Fuller - BaxterStorey Ireland Silver: Carolina Moraes - Sodexo Ireland- Bord Bia |
Sustainability Site Of The Year Gold: KC Peaches Silver: FoodSpace - Abbott Clonmel Bronze: ISS Catering X HPE Galway |
Special Recognition Anita Oman Wrynn - The Q Cafe Company |
For more information on the Gold Medal Catering Awards please visit our website or contact the Events Team on (01) 640-1777 or email events@ashvillemediagroup.com.
Thank you to our sponsors

Ashville Media Group
Unit 55 Park West Road
Dublin 12
t. +353 (0) 16401777
e. events@ashvillemediagroup.com
This email was sent to you through Prowly.com PR Software on behalf of Ashville Media Group
© Copyright 2018 - ASHVILLE MEDIA GROUP Ltd. | PRIVACY STATEMENT | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |
Unit 55 Park West Road
Dublin 12
t. +353 (0) 16401777
e. events@ashvillemediagroup.com
This email was sent to you through Prowly.com PR Software on behalf of Ashville Media Group
© Copyright 2018 - ASHVILLE MEDIA GROUP Ltd. | PRIVACY STATEMENT | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |