Compass and Sodexo triumph at MIDAS 2011 awards

For the third year running, Compass Group UK & Ireland won the Fairtrade Award for its company wide commitment to ethical sourcing, and the Head of Food Award was presented to Nick Vadis, Compass' UK executive chef (pictured above). Another repeat winner was Sodexo UK & Ireland, which for the second year running won the Workplace Catering Solution Award. The awards, organised by the Menu Innovation Network, recognise the outstanding creative talents of menu development in the foodservice industry. The judges, with considerable experience of multi-unit menu operations, visited various sites to see menus in action before selecting the overall winner in each category of the awards. The Head of Food award is presented to someone who has displayed an outstanding commitment to the industry through the training and development of new talent and a focus on innovation and excellence in foodservice. Vadis said: "I am privileged to be able to work with so many talented people and have the opportunity to showcase the great, innovative work being done to continuously improve our customer food offers, and the culinary standards across he business. It is not what you take out of this industry but what you put back that really counts, so this award is a real honour." The Fairtrade award recognises industry leading support of Fairtrade and Compass impressed the judges with its ongoing dedication, the significant increase in the amount of Fairtrade products purchased and sold year on year and the range of products accessible. Regional sourcing manager Jane Wakeling said: "From being the first foodservice company to seek out a Fairtrade supply chain to continued 'firsts', such as our commitment to sourcing 100% Fairtrade bananas and sugar, we strive to make responsible decisions and to make it as easy as possible for our clients and customers to buy ethically sourced, sustainable food and drink products throughout the year." Sodexo's innovative, global foodservice offer, 'be…', impressed the judges because the food "looked very good, colourful, fresh and plentiful with lots of healthy options and something for everyone". Sodexo's 'be…' offer was first launched in the UK and has since been developed throughout Europe, Asia and America. It is now in more than 220 sites in 18 countries. It is customised to every site – no two client accounts are the same. It focuses on delivering the best in world dishes using seasonal, sustainable and ethical produce wherever possible and inspiring and aiding well being. Marketing director Stephen Holder said: "We are delighted to have won this award for the second year. It is testimony to the innovation behind the offers we have developed to meet the needs and expectations of clients and consumers in these challenging economic times." • For more information about the MIDAS Awards, visit www.midasawards.co.uk