F&B@Sea Awards 2024: Winners Announced
In Miami, on April 11th, the inaugural debut ceremony of the F&B@Sea Awards took place, celebrating innovations and excellence in the food and beverage sector on cruises globally.
The grand event, hosted by Ken Taylor, Vice President of MarkeTeam, and Holly Payne, Deputy Editor of Seatrade Cruise News, highlighted the growing importance of the Food & Beverage sector in enriching the cruise experience.
F&B@Sea Awards
The awards were divided into seven specific categories: three for industry suppliers and four for cruise lines. Among the various recognitions were the Most Sustainable Product (won for 2024 by Riverence Provisions), Wellness Pioneer (by Konscious Foods), Best Restaurant (by Crystal Cruises with Umi Uma), and F&B Maverick of the Year (awarded to Rudi Sodamin, Princess Cruises).
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F&B@Sea Awards (3)
The judges, selected to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of each award candidate, are experts chosen specifically for their dedication to culinary excellence, coming from diverse fields including academia, journalism, wine, culinary, and hospitality.
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F&B@Sea Awards (5)
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Other recognitions for the 2024 edition included the Most Innovative Product won by AUTEC; the Best Beverage Program won by Royal Caribbean International with Icon of the Seas; and the Best Sustainable F&B Program won by Holland America Line for Food Sourcing & Food Waste Reduction.
An additional recognition was awarded to PepsiCo for the Best Supplier Booth. This award was granted through on-site voting using a QR code, which highlighted excellence in presentation and visitor interaction.
Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director of Seatrade Cruise, stated that the F&B@Sea Awards were created with the idea of celebrating excellence and innovation, providing a global platform for industry leaders who are increasingly shaping the future of dining on cruises.
During the ceremony, representatives of the awarded companies were able to express their gratitude for the prizes received. A spokesperson for AUTEC stated that the company was honored to receive the Innovative Product of the Year award for their ASM865A Maki Maker. They added that AUTEC is pleased to introduce the culinary tradition of sushi to cruise passengers through their Sushi Robots, which enable chefs to offer innovative and high-quality culinary experiences.
F&B@Sea Awards (7)
F&B@Sea Awards (8)
Linken D’Souza, Senior Vice President of Global Food and Beverage Operations at Royal Caribbean International, stated that the award they won was a testament to Royal Caribbean’s commitment to providing unforgettable family vacations, integrating adventure in unique and unexpected ways, including their onboard beverage program. He also expressed the company’s pride in having an award-winning program to showcase.
In a heartfelt commitment to sustainability, the F&B@Sea Awards trophies were entirely made of oak wood, sourced responsibly, unique, and 100% recyclable. The F&B@Sea Awards event was developed in close collaboration with various cruise lines, F&B industry stakeholders, and culinary leaders with the support of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), and MarkeTeam.
Don’t miss further information and updates on F&B@Sea and the world of cruises on Cruising Journal.