How are you hoping to grow the Madhu’s business in 2012? Madhu’s is known for being pioneers in the Asian catering and service market as we have introduced various styles of service that other catering companies, new and old, now offer. There is always room to grow and especially with a company like Madhu’s where we do not believe in becoming “Jack of all trades” and instead be the “Master of One”. Many other catering companies out there can and will offer you every single whistle and bell under the sun, whereas Madhu’s will stick to what we are best known for and exceed in it. No need to mention the fact that we cater for majority of the big Asian VIP events taking place in the capital, as well as outside of London. We supply food to Harvey Nichols and are approved by HRH the Prince of Wales, as the official Asian caterers at Windsor Castle and to further that list, Madhu’s is also appointed by the House of Parliaments as official caterers. AWMs editor Jo (right) with Madhu’s Poonam Ball (left)
A taste for success One of the biggest and busiest stands belonged to the well-established caterer Madhu’s, which is also partners the Asiana Bridal Show. AWM went along and spoke to head of PR, Nina Pirani, about their thoughts on the show and what the caterer is looking forward to in 2012.
Do you exhibit at Asiana every year? Madhu’s is one of three partners at the Asiana Bridal Show and the exhibition is regarded as our biggest event of the year, with thousands of people walking through the doors of the swanky Park Plaza Riverbank throughout the day. In 2011, we marked the 10th anniversary of the Asiana Bridal Show and it is remarkable how the exhibition has reached heights throughout the years. Madhu’s always participates in the Bridal Show along with the crème de la crème suppliers in other fields from bridal fashion, bridal make-up, decorators, photographers, DJ road shows, cake suppliers – it’s a one stop shop for any bride looking to organise their big day.
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2011, Madhu’s introduced the new Thali service, an ancient Indian traditional way of dining, which has been adapted to the modern client / guest of the 21st century. Also, in 2011, we increased the number of venues that we cater at as we added two more hotels, The Landmark London and Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5. So far in 2012, we have increased our list with the not-yet-opened Hilton London Wembley. What do you view as the biggest challenge for the business in 2012? Every year we hear stories of a number of new catering companies that have opened but equally we hear of a number of catering companies that close down due to various reasons. Madhu’s has been in business for more than 30 years and our position in the market has remained stable, if not exceeded new heights. The current economical climate is the biggest, if not the ultimate challenge for any business, and needless to say, Madhu’s is not an exception to that rule. However, for the past three years running, since the recession began, we have still met our targets and still do more than 250 events a year while maintaining quality of both food and service.