Following the resounding success of its inaugural year, the Gold Medal Catering Awards are returning for a second year to once again celebrate excellence and innovation within Ireland’s vibrant catering industry.

With the April 24th entry deadline now passed, the judging process is underway. Last year’s event set a high benchmark, honouring top chefs and foodservice professionals across 27 distinct categories. Building on that foundation, the 2026 awards look forward to recognising a new wave of trailblazers who are shaping the future of Irish catering.

The finalists for this year’s awards have been revealed and event tickets are available for purchase.

Ireland’s catering industry sparkled on June 26, 2025, at the Burlington Hotel Dublin, as the inaugural Gold Medal Catering Awards honored its first-ever winners at a spectacular gala! This defining event brought together the nation’s top chefs and foodservice professionals to celebrate excellence and innovation. The evening was a resounding success, filled with an electric atmosphere, camaraderie, and well-deserved recognition for all involved.

With over 150 entries across 20 categories, the awards highlighted outstanding achievements in contract, healthcare, event catering, and more. A rigorous judging process, including site assessments and mystery dining, ensured only the best were crowned. The atmosphere was electric, filled with pride and camaraderie, as the industry’s brightest stars were recognized for setting new standards.