The awards provide exhibitors with a means of recognition throughout the show, which runs from April 28 to May 1, while visitors get the chance to view the hospitality sector’s most innovative products in a new dedicated area.

Six finalists in each category – tabletop and design, catering equipment, food and drink, and technology – will be required to pitch their products to Hotelympia’s team of ‘Innovation Idols’ in a behind-closed-doors arena.

So far for 2014 the latter comprises: Nick Sandler, creative chef for Pret A Manger; Vanessa Brady, president of SBID; Adam Marshall, chief executive of London-based pub and bar group Grand Union; David Russell and David Bentley from catering consultancy, The Russell Partnership; Cyrus Todiwala, ‘Spice Man’ and chef owner of Café Spice Namasté; and 2013 National Chef of the Year Hayden Groves.

Toby Wand, managing director at Hotelympia organiser Fresh Montgomery, said: “Innovation has been at the heart of every Hotelympia since the show’s inception – creating the most comprehensive snapshot of the hospitality industry in one dedicated place.

“In 2014, we will once again be uniting the very best in catering equipment, food and drink, tabletop and design, and technology through our dedicated awards. As previous finalists can attest, the benefits of entering are far-reaching. With an ever-growing line-up of respected names as Innovation Idols, we look forward to raising the industry bar yet again.”

Troy Smith, managing director of Oranka Juice Solutions, a 2012 finalist in the food and drink category with Vitamin Choice flavoured water, said that being shortlisted recognised the value of the company’s concept. “We were proud to be a finalist and now display our finalist badge of honour logo in our brochures," he added. "We received a lot of interest both at the show and in the aftermath.”

Hotelympia’s Innovation Awards are only open to Hotelympia exhibitors. To enter product(s) go to: www.hotelympia.com/innovation