Ahead of the inaugural F&B@Sea Awards, taking place at F&B@Sea on 11 April 2024, we caught up with David Yeskel, to get his thoughts on why the awards are crucial to the industry and what he thinks makes for a stand-out entry.
David Yeskel, Several trade and consumer publications, Travel Journalist, “The Cruise Guru”
Why did you choose to be a judge for the inaugural F&B@Sea Awards?
I continue to be fascinated by the innovation and creativity shown in the cruise industry’s culinary and beverage realms, and look forward to learning about - and experiencing - what’s new for this year.
In your view, why are the F&B@Sea Awards crucial for the industry?
Outstanding F&B products deserve notice apart from marketing efforts, and these awards lend legitimacy and gravitas to those products.
What advice would you give to companies considering entering the awards?
Show us what you’ve got and tell us why it matters - without excess hype.
What, in your opinion, constitutes a standout entry?
A standout entry should not only spark interest; it should grab us and shake us to attention, while convincing us that cruise guests will take notice and support it with their vacation dollars.
What are the top three criteria you prioritize when evaluating an entry?
Originality, Practicality and Sheer Chutzpah.
Lastly, what are the three F&B trends in 2024 that excite you the most?
- The consistent rise in popularity and quality of non-alcoholic beverages
- Plant-based foods that we actually crave
- The fusion of dining and entertainment into “eatertainment”
