ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc. managing director and CEO, Chris Dehring (right), shakes hands with the general manager of Goddard Catering Group Ltd. (GCG) - Antigua, Pedro Corbin, after signing the contract with ICC CWC 2007 official caterer the consortium GCG and Positive Impact recently. - Contributed

A CARIBBEAN company, and its international partner, were recently selected as the official caterer for next year's ICC Cricket World Cup.

Following a brief signing ceremony in Barbados this month, ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC)West Indies 2007 Inc. presented Goddard Catering Group Ltd. (GCG) - the catering division of Goddard Enterprises Ltd. Barbados, and Positive Impact - a sports and entertainment consulting group, located in New Jersey, the United States - as the consortium chosen to develop and manage wide-ranging catering programmes for the tournament being held across nine venues in the Caribbean.

The joint bid was chosen after a tender process which was conducted regionally and internationally. The role of the Official Caterer will include the fair selection, licensing and management of vendors in each of the host venues and will involve GCG and Positive Impact working with the ICC CWC 2007 Design Team on issues relating to vendors at each stadium

Inviting applications

In this regard, the company will soon be inviting applications for vending at all stadia in a variety of categories, including the traditional itinerant vendor, suite caterer, concession-stand operator and bar operator. There will also be provision for stand-alone vendors inside and outside of the Mello Zone.

The official caterer will also be responsible for: working with sponsors, such as Pepsi, to develop sponsor food courts; developing a strategy to utilise the best vendors and suppliers in each host venue; developing an Anti-infringement Programme (AIP) for catering and developing a uniform venue pricing plan for catering.

ICC CWC 2007 commercial manager, Stephen Price, congratulated the consortium on their successful tender, noting that it is another example of the Caribbean Economic Enterprise Initiative (CEE) flourishing. Under the CEE, which has been designed by ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc. to ensure regional companies benefit from the Event, all international companies seeking to qualify for CWC contracts must partner with CARICOM nationals.

"The union of these two companies is a great example of how CWC envisages the CEE working. CWC looks forward to a world-class and efficient catering programme which will satisfy the needs of all fans - from those in the high-end suites to those who prefer to patronise itinerant vendors and food stalls around the stadium," he said, adding that ICC CWC 2007 Inc. will soon embark on a regional public-education and awareness campaign about catering opportunities.

General manager of GCG - Antigua, Pedro Corbin, said the company was 'elated' to have been awarded the contract. Stating that it currently operated in six of the nine host venues, he said it was an honour for GCG - especially as a Caribbean entity - to be associated with such a prestigious event

"This is a true testament to the resolve of the Goddard's team. We look forward to working with Positive Impact and tournament organisers to provide the best possible catering services and options," he said.

Barry Byrne, general manager of GCG - Jamaica, supported his colleague's sentiments, saying: "This decision will ensure that the taste, style and aroma of the Caribbean, provided by Caribbean people, will make this the best Cricket World Cup ever."