CGA has unveiled the shortlists for its 2019 Peach Hero & Icon Awards, honouring dozens of outstanding operators across the out-of-home eating and drinking markets. The trophies will be presented at a special celebratory dinner to follow this year’s CGA Peach 2020 Conference at The Brewery in London on Wednesday 20 November.
The invitation-only conference and awards dinner is the industry’s top networking event, and will be attended by around 300 company directors, owners, operators and investors. Together, the shortlists present a who’s who of operators from entrepreneurs to big corporates who are setting the standards for others to follow in this highly competitive, but still vibrant, industry.
As well as the Hero Awards, which feature two new categories this year, Challenger Brand and Disruptor of the Year, the evening will see the presentation of CGA’s Peach Icon Awards, given to individuals who have left a major mark on the out-of-home eating and drinking sectors. There are no shortlists for these Awards.
Awards founder and host for the evening Peter Martin says: “These shortlists are packed with the brands and people who continue to push our industry forward despite the myriad of challenges it faces, and we salute them all. Competition for our awards is as tough as ever this year, as is the market itself, demonstrating the creativity, diversity and dynamism to be found in the out-of-home food and drink market. We are looking forward to celebrating with the winners and all shortlisted operators at our Conference and Awards on 20th November.”
INDUSTRY HERO AWARDS
Selected by industry peers
Challenger Brand
A new category, replacing Newcomer, for new or relatively new concepts to the UK market that have really emerged in the last 3-4 years. We are looking for a concept that has potential as a scalable brand or multi-site operation and has made an impact from the start.
- EggSlut
- Farmer J
- Market Halls
- Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza
- Tattu
- Thunderbird Fried Chicken
Last year’s winner: Blacklock
Breakthrough Brand
For emerging brands or companies “on the up” – moving from small chain to mainstream and showing potential to grow further still.
- Bundobust
- Flight Club
- Grind
- Honest Burgers
- Mowgli
- Pizza Pilgrims
Last year’s winner: The Ivy Collection
Presented by: Bookatable by Michelin
Evolutionary Brand
Larger or more established brand or company that has had a great 12 months and refreshed or evolved their offer to stay competitive, relevant and growing.
- Dishoom
- Gusto
- LEON
- The Alchemist
- Wagamama
- White Brasserie Co
Last year’s winner: Caravan
Presented by: Reynolds
Best Concept
For the brands or companies loved by consumers and envied by operators with the scalable format to succeed and evolve.
- Caravan
- Dishoom
- Franco Manca
- Ivy Collection
- The House (from New World Trading Co, eg Canal House, Oast House)
- Wagamama
Last year’s winner: Flat Iron
Presented by: Omnivore
Best Destination Opening
For brands or companies who delivered a show-stopping, commercially successful new opening in a great location.
- Cultureplex, Manchester
- Dishoom, Manchester
- Gloria, Shoreditch
- Market Halls, Victoria, London
- Serata Hall, Old St, London
- The Ivy, Manchester
Last year’s winner: The Florist, Liverpool
Presented by: Asahi
Most Admired Brand
Which concepts or brands have really made an impact in the sector over the last 12 months? Maybe it’s a brand you wish you’d thought of or would even like to acquire – basically the operations you most admire or respect.
- Dishoom
- Flight Club
- Ivy Collection
- Loungers
- Nando’s
- Wagamama
Last year’s winner: Dishoom
Presented by: Fourth
Disruptor of the Year
A NEW AWARD, for the individual who has shaken up the sector in the past 12 months, taken a stand on a major issue or driven a new business initiative by creating new demand or grabbing market-share, has rewritten the market narrative, and/or caused competitors to reassess their operations.
- David Campbell, Ivy Collection and Bill’s
- Dan Davies, Rockpoint
- Jonathan Downey, London Union
- Steve Holmes, Azzurri Group
- Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality
- John Vincent, LEON
Presented by: Caterer.com
Best Company with over 50 Sites
For companies with 50 plus sites who have delivered excellent results, a great product and set high standards across the board.
- Greggs
- LEON
- Loungers
- Mitchells & Butlers
- Nando’s
- Wagamama
Last year’s winner: Wagamama
Presented by: Zonal
Best Entrepreneurial Company
For companies with less than 50 sites who delivered excellent results, a great product and set high standards across the board.
- Caravan
- Dishoom
- Mission Mars
- New World Trading Co.
- Oakman Inns
- The Alchemist
Last year’s winner: Hawksmoor
Presented by: RSM UK
International Award
The return of a previous category, to mark the resurgence of activity in international expansion. Chosen by CGA’s insight teams in Manchester and Chicago, recognizing the UK-based businesses that have made a major impact on the global stage during the past 12 months.
- Brewdog
- D&D Restaurants
- Flight Club
- LEON
- Pret a Manger
- Time Out Markets
Presented by: CGA
Industry Leader of the Year
The industry’s leading personality who has enjoyed a stellar year at the helm, leading their business to commercial success in 2019 and making an impact on the sector as a whole.
- Simon Emeny, Fuller’s
- Nisha Katona, Mowgli
- Simon Longbottom, Stonegate
- Kavi & Shamil Thakrar, Dishoom
- Phil Urban, Mitchells & Butlers
- Emma Woods, Wagamama
Last year’s winner: Jane Holbrook, Wagamama
Presented by: Coffer Corporate Leisure
CONSUMER HERO AWARDS
Selected via consumer feedback from the CGA BrandTrack survey.
Consumer Choice
For the best big brand across the key metrics of satisfaction, revisit and recommendation.
- Cote
- Miller & Carter
- Nando’s
- Revolucion De Cuba
- Wagamama
- Yo!
Last year’s winner: Miller & Carter
Presented by: Coca-Cola European Partners
Family-Friendly Brand
For concepts that gained high marks both for use by families and being both family and child-friendly, and that improved most over the year.
- Costa
- Farmhouse Inns
- Harvester
- Pizza Express
- Pizza Hut
- Toby Carvery
Presented by: Casual Dining Show
Best Service
For the brands voted top friendliness and quality service, and which have shown improvement as well.
- Bill’s
- Five Guys
- Las Iguanas
- Miller & Carter
- TGI Friday’s
- Wagamama
Presented by: Diageo
Brand XP
For the brands that keep their customers coming back for great experiences, by being exciting, fun and cool.
- Las Iguanas
- Revolucion De Cuba
- The Alchemist
- The Botanist
- Turtle Bay
- Wahaca
Last year’s winner: The Botanist
Presented by: CPL Online
Power Brand
For the leading brands of the sector ranked by usage, satisfaction, reliability and trust – and an industry vote
- Greggs
- JD Wetherspoon
- Miller & Carter
- Turtle Bay
- Wagamama
- Zizzi
Last year’s winner: JD Wetherspoon
Presented by: Groupon