The award, announced at a Gala Dinner on Tuesday 11 November, celebrates the contract caterers that excel at what they do.

Elior was recognised for its unique and compelling proposition for the contract catering market: to deliver great customer experiences.

Catherine Roe, chief executive Elior UK, said: “It’s an honour for Elior to be named Contract Caterer of the Year. The category is especially tough as it looks at everything from staff development to innovation and sustainability. The whole team should be really proud of themselves.”

The night also saw Elior win the 2014 Come Dine with FSM challenge. Elior chefs beat four other teams from top contract caterers in a competition to serve the best course of the Gala Dinner. The team won with its Arriba chocolate sphere with tropical fruit, passion fruit curd and mango yoghurt ice cream.