The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has announced the winners of its National Awards 2026, recognising individuals and teams across the care catering sector.
The annual awards were presented at a gala dinner on Thursday 15 October, celebrating achievements during the past 12 months and recognising expertise, dedication and support for service users.
This year also saw the introduction of a new Innovation Award, recognising developments designed to enhance nutritional care.
NACC National Chair Neel Radia said: “In a field of inspirational superstars who all deliver excellent nutrition and hydration to older and vulnerable people every day, it is always difficult to single out just a few members to receive recognition. However, our annual awards seek to specially honour those who have gone altogether ‘above and beyond’ during the year, and we have found a troupe of very worthy winners.
“Huge congratulations to everyone who received an award this evening, and thank you to all our members who make a real difference to so many lives, day in day out.”
The 2026 NACC National Award winners are:
Care Establishment of the Year Award, sponsored by allmanhall
Branksome Heights, Kingsley Healthcare
Meals on Wheels Award, sponsored by apetito
Health & Independent Living Support (HILS)
Catering Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Rational UK
Middleton Hall Retirement Village
Catering Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions
Jody Marshall, Group Hospitality Manager, Meallmore
Our Care Catering Hero Award, sponsored by Miele
Jane Oliver, Senior Relief Chef, Cinnamon Care Collection
The Bev Puxley Award, sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Cooks London
Darren Neal, Head of Culinary, White Oaks
The Innovation Award, sponsored by Atosa Catering Equipment
Taste the Memories by Signature Dining
A number of special awards were also presented during the evening.
The Midlands Region received the NACC Region of the Year Award, sponsored by Meiko UK, while Nick Dutton received the Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Winterhalter.
Three National Chair’s Awards were presented to the Consortium of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH), the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) and Umbrella Academy.
The gala dinner marked the conclusion of the NACC Training & Development Forum, which took place on 14 and 15 October 2026 at Hilton at St George’s Park, Burton-upon-Trent.
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