Booker Prize for Excellence launches 2005 awards

Cash & carry group Booker is inviting entries for the 2005 Booker Prize for Excellence.

Now in its thirteenth year, the prize recognises independent retailers and caterers. The awards culminate at an awards ceremony in June which will feature the announcement of all eleven category winners, as well as the overall winners of the highly acclaimed Best Retailer and Best Caterer Awards.

Booker marketing director, Mark Collier said: "People are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tastes and demanding in their expectations. So professional caterers need, more than ever before, to have commitment, an innovative approach and limitless energy to be successful. Nobody works harder than Booker to help customers achieve this objective.

"We are dedicated to understanding, and meeting their needs, in a way that will support and grow their businesses. This includes the introduction of a number of initiatives like Spend and Save and Air Miles. The Booker Prize for Excellence is our way of celebrating and rewarding success and the excellence resulting from it."

All category winners will be awarded £500 in Booker vouchers. The overall winners of receive an additional £750 of Booker vouchers. All winners, together with partners - excluding the winner of the Best Young Chef award who gets his or her own special prize - will also be able to look forward to an overseas study tour in 2005, courtesy of Booker.

Once entries have been assessed by the executive judging panel and a shortlist drawn up, caterers will be visited by a judging steward. The stewards are looking for evidence of excellence across a wide range of criteria, including business management skills, innovation, presentation, food quality and customer service.

Gordon Ramsay will again judge and present the award for 'Best Young Chef'. The winner will not only receive a cash prize of £500, but also an invitation to dinner with a guest, at one of Gordon Ramsay's superb restaurants, courtesy of Booker. Entry forms will be available to download from the Booker website (www.booker.co.uk) and at all Booker branches. The closing date for entries is Friday 25th February 2005.