American founder of the Subway chain Fred de Luca was honoured today (Thursday) by the British Sandwich industry for the success his international sandwich bar chain has had in storming to the lead in the British sandwich market.

In just a few years, Subway has opened 1198 shops and overtaken even giants Tesco both in the value and volume of the sandwiches they sell.

Fred was among a host of industry leaders recognised in this year’s Sammies – the British Sandwich Industry Awards – when they were presented at a glittering dinner in London today (May 15) in front of some 580 guests from retailing and manufacturing.

The Sammies were launched 13 years ago to acknowledge some of those who have helped develop and shape this huge industry, which is now worth some £5.25 billion a year and which employs well over 300,000 people in the UK.

As well as awards for some of the big names in retailing, including Marks & Spencers, this year’s winners also included single shop enterprises like London’s Piada sandwich bar as well as specialist ingredient suppliers, such as Beacon Foods.

The awards are judged by an independent panel of judges from the industry, none of whom were involved in the entries. 

The awards dinner, which took place at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, coincides with British Sandwich Week which takes place nationally between 11th and 17th  May, 2008.

2008 Award Winners
Sandwich Designer of the Year 2008

Awards Home
Winners Down the Years

2008 Award Sponsors