Women in the Food Industry Co-Founder Mex Ibrahim Wins Hospitality Hero in The Staff Canteen Awards 2025

Now in its sixth year, The Staff Canteen Awards continue to shine a spotlight on every corner of the hospitality industry – from chefs and kitchen porters, to front-of-house professionals and industry champions working behind the scenes.

This year the awards saw over 300 nominations across eight categories and more than 52,000 votes cast by The Staff Canteen’s members and social media followers – the biggest response yet. We are delighted that our co-founder Mex Ibrahim, made the finals and won the Hospitality Hero category.

Final shortlists of four were drawn up for: Chef of the Year, One to Watch, Front of House Team of the Year, Sustainable Business, KP of the Year, Social Media Influencer, Member of the Year and Hospitality Hero.

The Hospitality Hero award was presented to Mex Ibrahim, co-founder of Women in the Food Industry, for her continued advocacy of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity across hospitality.

“It was absolutely amazing to win this award,” said Mecca.

“I give it to all the other women in the food industry. Without them, we would not be here as a community.

“I co-founded Women in the Food Industry to try to shine a spotlight on what the women are doing in our amazing industry. We are in the minority in senior positions, but there are a huge amount of women who are doing incredible things in the industry.”

Mex continued: “Hospitality is, at its heart, about people — about caring, connecting, and creating moments that make others feel valued. Everything I’ve done has been inspired by the amazing colleagues, friends, and mentors who’ve supported me and by the wider community that gives so much back in return.

“This award isn’t just mine — it belongs to everyone who keeps showing up with passion, kindness, and resilience, even when times are tough. You are the true heroes of hospitality.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of this community.”

The winners were revealed on 10th November 2025 at Scotland House in London (sponsors in brackets):

Chef of the Year (Chef Works): Tim Dela Cruz, head chef, Smiths of Smithfield
One to Watch (ASMI): Craig Nelson, head chef, Ox and Finch, Glasgow
Front of House Team of the Year (Square): Tom Ford and the FOH team, Manifest, Liverpool
Sustainable Business: The Cottage in the Wood, Keswick (Beth and Jack Bond)
Kitchen Porter of the Year (Chef+): Emily Eeles, The Gaff, Abergavenny
Social Media Influencer (Austrade): Danilo Cortellini, chef and content creator
Member of the Year (Major): Kieran Irvin, head chef, The Angel of Corbridge, Northumberland
Hospitality Hero (The Bread Factory): Mecca Ibrahim, co-founder, Women in the Food Industry

Earlier this year our co-founder, Mex Ibrahim, was awarded the DEI Champion Award at this year’s Speciality & Fine Food Fair. This award recognises a business or individual that has championed diversity, equity and inclusion, transformed their operations, and made a lasting positive impact on the industry. Winners are selected by a panel of experts and ambassadors, not by nomination, making this recognition particularly meaningful.

These honours are  not just for us but for our whole community – the inspiring women and allies who continue to shape a more inclusive and representative food & drink sector.

We would like to thank ALL the great women who make up our community and give each other strength, support and confidence at our regular in person networking events.