MBE awarded to Bidfood director

Dr Andrew Kemp, group sales and marketing director at food wholesaler Bidfood, has been awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours list, announced on 8 June.

Kemp has been in the industry for over 40 years, and has used his platform to work alongside industry bodies and charities, and was a keen supporter of universal free school meals for infant school children.

He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of West London in 2017 for a lifetime contribution to the UK and international food industry.

Kemp said: “I am both proud and delighted to be a recipient of this prestigious award. It’s a great honour to work in such an incredible industry alongside many influential and wonderful people.

“The hospitality industry is extremely close to my heart and it’s been a privilege to use my position in the sector to work alongside such fantastic industry bodies and charities, such as Springboard UK; Hospitality Action; UKHospitality; The One and All Foundation; Arena; Clink; LACA; Chaine des Rottiseurs; FPA; University of West London and The Institute of Hospitality.”

He added: “Having the opportunity to nurture these relationships and sit on some of the sector’s most influential boards has been tremendously beneficial for making positive change. I’m receiving this award not only on behalf of Bidfood, but on behalf of all of these partners who have offered me a lifetime of support. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along this journey.”