The winners are:
Most Sustainable Product: Riverence Provisions
Wellness Pioneer: Konscious Foods
Trailblazing Product: AUTEC
Best Beverage Programme: Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas
Best Restaurant: Crystal Cruises' Umi Uma
Most Sustainable F&B Programme: Holland America Line: Food Sourcing & Food Waste Reduction
F&B Maverick of the Year: Rudi Sodamin, Princess Cruises
Additionally, Best Vendor Stall Setup was awarded to Pepsico, determined through onsite voting via QR code. This award spotlights exceptional presentation, engagement and overall immersive excellence.
Recognising excellence and innovation
'The F&B@Sea Awards spotlight excellence and innovation, providing a global platform for industry leaders shaping the future of F&B cruising. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 winners for their remarkable achievements,' Chiara Giorgi, global brand and event director of Seatrade Cruise, said.
Hosted by MarkeTeam VP Ken Taylor and Seatrade Cruise News Deputy Editor Holly Payne, the awards ceremony spanned seven categories. Three aimed at suppliers within the industry and four at cruise lines.
The judges
Handpicked for their commitment to culinary excellence, the judges have diverse backgrounds, remarkable credentials and expertise in the food and beverage industry. They hail from academia, journalism, hotels, wine/beverage and culinary fields.
An AUTEC representative said: 'We're honored and thrilled to receive the Trailblazing Product of the Year award for our ASM865A Maki Maker. AUTEC is dedicated to sharing Japanese culture through sushi, and we're delighted to introduce this culinary tradition to cruise line passengers. Our Sushi Robots enable cruise line chefs to deliver high-quality and authentic sushi experiences.'
'This award is a testament to Royal Caribbean's commitment to delivering the best family vacation and infusing "adventure" in thoughtful and unexpected ways, including the beverage program. On behalf of my colleagues shoreside and crew, thank you for recognizing the passion and hard work invested by all of us to deliver unique experiences, big and small,' said Linken D’ Souza, SVP food & beverage global operations, Royal Caribbean International.
F&B@Sea was developed in close consultation with cruise lines, food and beverage stakeholders, and culinary leaders with support from Cruise Lines International Association, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and MarkeTeam.
The F&B@Sea Awards trophies are crafted from responsibly sourced, individually unique and 100% recyclable oak wood.
Information on F&B@Sea is here.
