Valencia-based company recognized for leadership in gastronomic innovation, sustainability, food waste management, social inclusion, and digital transformation
Valencia, November 3, 2025 — Gourmet Catering & Eventos, the renowned Valencia-based catering and events company, has been awarded the National Hospitality Innovation Prize by Hostelería de España, the confederation representing over 300,000 hospitality companies across Spain. Considered one of the highest accolades in the sector, the award recognizes companies, professionals, and institutions that demonstrate excellence in innovation, sustainability, social responsibility, cultural support, and professional expertise.
The award acknowledges Gourmet Catering & Eventos’ ability to combine tradition, innovation, and social commitment through projects that transform gastronomy into a driver for sustainable, technological, and human development. With this recognition, the company becomes only the second catering firm to receive a National Hospitality Award, following Carifood in 2024, which was honored as a “Hospitality Company Committed to Social Responsibility.”
With over 75 years of experience, Gourmet Catering & Eventos has established itself as a national benchmark in bespoke gastronomy and events, organizing more than 2,500 events annually and serving over 360,000 guests. Its innovation strategy is built around five pillars—gastronomic innovation, social innovation, sustainability, food waste management, and talent management—making it a pioneering model in Spain’s hospitality sector.
“This award reinforces our purpose to innovate with meaning, to turn every event into an experience with positive impact, and to show that excellence is built on social responsibility and sustainability,” says Raquel Vicente, CEO of Gourmet Catering & Eventos.
Gastronomic Innovation and 360° Sustainability
Gourmet Catering & Eventos integrates research, creativity, and sustainability as the core of its culinary approach, developing projects that combine science, design, and environmental awareness to deliver unique and memorable gastronomic experiences.
The company hosts one of the largest gastronomic R&D departments in the Valencian Community and operates a 1,600 m² sustainable production center powered entirely by renewable energy.
Notable initiatives include the MagNuS Project, focused on sustainable innovation in collaboration with CEMAS, the Valencia Conference Centre, and the University of Valencia; a MICE and corporate menu endorsed by the Chefs’ Manifesto; and FTALKS 2024 by KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, blending gastronomy and social reflection.
Its 360° sustainability model impacts environmental, social, and economic areas, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. In this field, it collaborates with Dr. José Miguel Soriano (University of Valencia) on a research project promoting operational efficiency and sustainable employment in the hospitality sector.
A highlight is the blockchain-based food donation system implemented with the startup Naria, which ensures the traceability and transparency of every donated portion. Since its launch in 2023, the system has recovered over 9,800 kg of food, equivalent to 23,500 meals and 24,700 kg of CO₂ saved.
Social Innovation and Inclusive Employment
As a culinary partner of the La Mare Que Va project with Asindown, Gourmet Catering & Eventos has developed a practical training and inclusive employment model for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. The program has generated over 650 hours of event-based employment, more than 28 job placements, and the training of 20 inclusive team members, making event organization a true tool for social transformation.
Digital Transformation and Smart Talent Management
In technology, Gourmet Catering & Eventos has achieved full digitalization of human resources management using the Sesame and Beeple platforms, coordinating over 600 employees with automated scheduling, digital time tracking, performance evaluations, and advanced analytics. This has reduced operational issues while improving efficiency, internal communication, and transparency.
Award Ceremony on November 4
The National Hospitality Innovation Prize presented on November 4 at a gala hosted by the Provincial Association of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Castellón, the host of this edition.
The awards ceremony, supported by 52 regional associations across Spain, brings together key industry representatives to highlight initiatives that promote growth and strengthen hospitality locally, nationally, and internationally. This edition includes 18 award categories.
Other notable awardees in the 19th edition include Grupo Tatel for international projection; chef Pedro Sánchez “Pedrito” of Jaén as Outstanding Hospitality Entrepreneur; Grupo El Pòsit of Tarragona for sustainability commitment; Guía Repsol as an institution promoting gastronomy; and Cervezas Alhambra as an exemplary industry supplier.
