The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) were finalists in two categories at the Victorian Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence, held at Atlantic (V) last night.

MCEC would like to congratulate all award winners including Atlantic (V), who the venue were up against in the Function/Convention Centre Caterer category, and Original Foods Sustainable Catering in Collingwood who took home best Events Caterer.

MCEC chief executive Peter King said: “Congratulations to the MCEC team on becoming finalists, a remarkable achievement in itself, and one that acknowledges our exceptional food and beverage offering and recognises us alongside some of the best in the business.

“The Awards for Excellence are highly respected in the hospitality industry so I congratulate all recipients,” King said.

A team of judges visited MCEC to anonymously assess events on a range of criteria including guest arrival, function set-up, food presentation, food and beverage service delivery and staff.

MCEC director of food and beverage Marc van der Meer said: “Our proud and passionate team are pleased to be recognised as finalists at these awards and judges’ feedback will help us improve our event delivery and continue to provide a high standard of food and service.”

MCEC continue to challenge perceptions around traditional business events catering by producing the venue’s dishes in-house using ingredients from local Victorian farmers, producers and suppliers.

The kitchen team personally visit suppliers and winemakers across the state to ensure they are serving delegates, many who have not visited Melbourne before, a true taste of Victoria.

The Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence are the premier awards program recognising the achievements of Australia’s restaurant and catering industry.