The award was bestowed in recognition of his ‘outstanding services to the foodservice and hospitality 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.
“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.”
Over the last 40 years, Kemp has shown an ‘insatiable appetite’ for making positive change, using his platform to collaborate and work alongside industry bodies and charities.
He has fought for the protection of Universal Infant Free School Meals, along with his work on holiday hunger, advocating and ensuring a better future for children across the UK.
He has also contributed research on the dangers of antibiotics and hormones in food, shaping understanding and driving innovation in the area.
In addition, he has been ‘instrumental’ in mobilizing the hospitality and foodservice sector to protect the future of the industry, striving to keep it an ‘exciting, rewarding and attractive’ place to work.
His contributions led to him being awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of West London (UWL) in 2017 for a lifetime contribution to the UK and international food industry.