2010 Catering Sales Professional of the Year and Distributor of the Year Unveiled

CESA’s Catering Utensils Group Forum announces 2010 winners at CUG Forum

Plus: forum reveals tomorrow’s ‘must have’ small wares and utensils

Those who want to know what next year’s ‘must have’ gadgets for professional kitchens will be, or who want to see the very latest catering products, should beg, steal or borrow a ticket for the Catering Utensils Group (CUG) forum. This annual event is where suppliers and distributors meet to discuss the latest ideas, products and market trends – the 2010 Forum was held at Woburn in April. As well as offering an opportunity for visitors to see tomorrow’s small wares and utensils the CUG announced its 2010 award winners, which celebrate the professionalism of those who supply the catering market.

Natalie Brownsill of distributor Especial won the Sales Professional of the Year Award. Judges praised her ‘unstinting hard work, her depth of understanding and the way she helped her clients achieve outstanding results.’ Natalie said: "I am absolutely over the moon and very proud to have been recognized in this way."

The Distributor Cup, for best catering equipment distributor, was awarded to 3663. A delighted Neil Coombes, free trade sales manager, was on hand to receive the accolade. "This was a really worthwhile event and 3663 will be at next year’s Forum in force," he said.

Product highlights from the 2010 Forum included the hand-held espresso machine from Catering & Leisure Supplies, a bright green salad spinner from Contacto, new wooden boards, bowls and holders from T&G Woodware and double-walled display bowls from Foodservice Equipment Marketing.

Grunwerg‘s new ProBalance chefs’ knives have adjustable balance, Induced Energy displayed a new Keep-Hot induction counter and Meyer showed its latest commercial cookware. MCS Technical Products launched three-phase induction hobs, Mitchell & Cooper ‘reinvented’ the can opener with its new Black Bonzer range while Neville UK came to the rescue of hot chefs with its ‘cool back’ jackets.

Meanwhile RH Hall showed a brand new outdoor cooking system while Row & Sons described its new Epicurean range as ‘the future of cutting boards.’

CUG is part of the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) and full review of the show, along with details of the suppliers, is available at www.cesa.org.

The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) represents over 140 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment – from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on CESA visit www.cesa.org.uk