Foodservice heavyweights such as Booker, Brakes and Bidfood are in the running alongside a host of smaller suppliers.
There are 19 categories in total including Bread and Morning Goods, Finished Desserts and Gateau, Condiments and Poultry Products. For a full list of finalists head here.
The products were prepared and cooked by qualified chefs in a professional kitchen following portion guidance and recommended preparation instructions, serving suggestions and cooking times.
Made up of chefs and other food experts, the judging panel put each entry through its paces on a stringent range of criteria, including appearance, aroma, flavour, texture and value per portion plus level of innovation.
The quality assessment was undertaken ‘brand free’ with the packaging not visible. The products were also rated by the cooking team on ease of prep and speed of prep.
Run in partnership with Restaurant magazine as well as its sister titles The Grocer, The Morning Advertiser and Food Manufacture, and in association with Food Innovation Solutions and
Good Sense Research, the Chefs’ Choice Awards are designed to showcase the great work of foodservice suppliers, from wholesalers through to manufacturers.
The awards are judged by chefs for chefs and seek to highlight quality, innovation, creativity, value and great taste delivery in frozen, fresh, chilled and ambient products. The awards are run to enhance the sector and highlight product credibility and the development work that takes place behind the scenes.
The awards also allow businesses in the foodservice supply chain to compete in core product categories and secure a competitive advantage via independent assessment of eating quality and taste.
Winners will be announced at a drinks reception at The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London, on Tuesday 5 March. To book tickets, head here.