The Country Range Group (CRG) has revealed that the host of its ‘An Evening With…’ event will this year be Jack Dee, one of Britain’s biggest and best-loved comedy stars.
Taking place on the 17th December at Raffles London at The OWO, the event has been running for over 25 years and is attended by CRG member wholesalers, suppliers and industry partners from across the foodservice industry.
Capturing the imagination of audiences and critics alike with his trademark dry humour and deadpan delivery over the last four decades, Jack Dee is renowned for an extensive career spanning stand-up, television and radio. Alongside hosting Live at the Apollo, Jack has co-written and starred in acclaimed sitcoms Lead Balloon and Bad Move and is the long-standing chairman of the much-loved national radio panel show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. More recently, he has appeared on Taskmaster, Have I Got News for You and QI, and is co-host of the popular podcast Oh My Dog! with fellow comedian Seann Walsh. He is also the author of the bestselling autobiography Thanks for Nothing and the hilarious agony uncle book What Is Your Problem?.
The exclusive event forms a key part of the CRG’s industry-leading schedule of trade events and incorporates the Group’s annual awards, celebrating the outstanding businesses and individuals from across its membership and supplier base. This year will see some new and refreshed categories such as Fastest Growing Member and the innovation focused Best New Own Brand Product alongside the return of established accolades, including the Rising Star and Foodservice Champion awards, which recognise individuals whose passion, commitment and contribution are making a real impact across the Group.
Taking place in the heart of Whitehall, the event will be set against the spectacular backdrop of the iconic former Old War Office, a unique venue steeped in history, where decisions that helped shape the nation were once made. Now combining its remarkable heritage with the world-renowned luxury, hospitality and exceptional service of Raffles, guests will enjoy a special drinks reception followed by a bespoke three-course dinner created by the hotel’s culinary team, showcasing the quality, creativity and attention to detail synonymous with Raffles.
Country Range Group Chief Executive Martin Ward said:
“I’ve personally been a huge fan of Jack Dee for decades now so am thrilled we’ve managed to secure him as the host of our awards celebration. The event is a vital part of the Group’s calendar and is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate another positive year, recognise some of the outstanding businesses and individuals across our Group and, importantly, enjoy the close collaboration that makes CRG so special. The excitement is certainly building and I’m very confident it will be a wonderful night shared by all.”
Limited tickets remain for this year’s ‘An Evening With…’ celebration. To secure your place, please contact crgmarketing@countryrange.co.uk as soon as possible.
About the Country Range Group
With over 30 years of heritage servicing the UK & Ireland’s innovative foodservice sector, the Country Range Group is made up of 17 member businesses and 21 wholesaler – Birchall Foodservice, Blakemore Foodservice, Brook Street Foodservice, Charles Saunders Food Service, Country Valley Foods, Crowndale Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, Europ Foods, Fife Creamery, First Choice Foodservice, Harlech Foodservice, Henderson Foodservice, King Brothers Foodservice, Kitwave (including Creed Foodservice, Total Foodservice and WestCountry), McClures, Savona Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice, Valley Foods, Waterdene Foodservice.
In addition to offering the leading brands from around the globe, the Group also offers a three-tiered own brand portfolio under Country Range, Signature by Country Range and Catering Essentials.
Widely recognised by caterers as trusted and reliable brands that deliver consistent quality and value for money without compromising on taste and flavour, the 700 plus products are all developed exclusively for professional caterers and cover grocery, chilled and frozen.
Alongside this, the Group recently launched its Clean Range Pro brand which features over 40 professional cleaning products which are colour co-ordinated, adhering to the British Institute of Cleaning Science’s colour coding system, and include QR codes on the product labels that link directly to safety data sheets for full product and usage information. Arming foodservice professionals with the ultimate tools to keep every area clean, protected and food-safe, the new range improves product visibility and consolidates the Group’s hygiene and cleaning offering.
The Group publishes its trade magazine Stir it up 9 times a year, which features the latest food, drink and industry news, Country Range brand promotions and in-depth trend reports and sector specific guides to support and inspire all foodservice caterers.
The Country Range Group has also entered into a three-year charitable partnership with Natasha’s Foundation. The unique partnership will see the buying group and its members work alongside the charity to raise compassion, understanding and crucially, vital funds, to help make food allergy history.
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