Media release
21 September, 2015
Hawke’s Bay hospitality awards get national support
Thanks to the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards are living on to celebrate excellence among the region’s food and beverage
merchants.
The national organisation representing restaurants and food outlets has agreed to take over the awards from Food Hawke’s
Bay which is winding up its operations.
Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois says the awards are an important ingredient for a region recognised
globally for its distinction in wine and food.
“It’s imperative the hospitality industry recognises its champions as it provides not only a peer benchmark for
excellence but also serves to give consumers valuable guidelines as to how well we are doing.”
Ms Bidois says while it is early days she hopes the Restaurant Association’s support and backing will bring new
possibilities for the awards.
“We currently serve the hospitality industry nationally and run a number of these types of awards around the country.
That means we bring experience and deep understanding of the challenges our industry faces and the need to highlight the
industry’s success.
“It's our aim to help reward those who make it happen in this industry and we certainly plan to build on what has been
achieved in a positive way,” she says.
Food Hawke’s Bay chair Phil Pollett says the organisation is thrilled the Restaurant Association has picked up the
Hospitality Awards.
“We are encouraged that it will continue to produce an event that recognises excellence in our region’s hospitality
sector. During the eight years we ran the awards the best of the region’s operators and workers have been acknowledged
for the vital role hospitality plays here in Hawke’s Bay.
“It is good to know this important event on the hospitality calendar is staying put and is in good hands,” Mr Pollett
says.
The 2016 Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards are planned for May, their ninth year.
About The Restaurant Association of New Zealand
The Restaurant Association of New Zealand has thousands of members covering the length and breadth of the country,
representing every facet of the restaurant and hospitality industry. The industry employs more than 108,000 people at
15,174 restaurants and food outlets and generates sales in excess of $8 billion. Restaurant Association offers its
members business tools, support and advice for growing their businesses and breaking new ground in the fast growing
hospitality arena.
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