Category: Uncategorized

At Core Catering Supplies, our story is one of vision, resilience, and above all, people. For over 25 years, we have proudly stood as South Africa’s preferred hospitality supplier, but we would not be where we are today without the remarkable individuals who make up our team. From operations to sales, from our head office to our dedicated franchise owners across the country, every single person has played a vital role in building our reputation as a trusted brand in the hospitality industry.

Expertise Built Over Decades

Our expertise is the result of decades of hands-on experience, forward-thinking leadership, and an unwavering passion for the hospitality sector. With a career in international hospitality dating back to 1985, Olav Rucker, Co-Founder and Managing Director, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s remarkable growth. Guided by a vision to make a difference, Olav co-founded Core Catering Supplies and Core Holdings in 1998 alongside Marcel Fuchs, CEO and Co-Founder. From modest beginnings, the business grew steadily with the help of a highly capable team, evolving into a nationwide enterprise with global reach and recognition.

Strategic Leadership

Marcel Fuchs, originally from Germany, brought with him deep expertise in strategic growth and South Africa’s import and export landscape, knowledge he gained while running his own company prior to Core’s founding. His understanding of international trade and long-term vision positioned Core Catering Supplies for both national and international success, ensuring that the business could expand while staying agile in a rapidly evolving market.

Serving the Hospitality Industry

Today, Core Catering Supplies services clients across the full spectrum of the hospitality industry. From boutique guesthouses to five-star hotels, from bustling restaurants and bars to world-class event venues, we supply the tools professionals need to deliver unforgettable guest experiences. With branches and distribution channels strategically placed across South Africa, we ensure rapid delivery, reliable service, and one of the widest product ranges available, from glassware and cutlery to kitchen equipment and bespoke catering solutions.

Leadership Philosophy

Olav’s leadership philosophy has been central to shaping Core Catering’s culture. Coming from a small town in Germany, he has always held a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and precision, inspired by the patience and artistry it takes to create something as simple yet extraordinary as a glass. Since moving to South Africa in 1990, he has infused this same dedication to quality into every aspect of Core Catering’s operations. Above all, he believes in people, in their potential to achieve beyond qualifications, and in their ability to deliver extraordinary results when given the right environment. This belief has fostered a culture that values growth, encourages creative thinking, and empowers both businesses and individuals to thrive.

Passion for Hospitality

Joining Olav and Marcel in leading Core Catering Supplies is Robert Greene, our Assistant Managing Director. Robert’s journey in hospitality began back in 1990 while still at school, when he founded PINC (Pupils Incorporated), a business that connected students with bartending work at birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and private functions. In 1995, he began working under Olav Rucker at the Palm Garden and Tulbagh Hotels as a trainee manager. After two years, Robert moved to The Cape Grace Hotel, where he worked as a five-star silver service waiter.

In 1999, Robert joined Core Catering Supplies as Operations Manager, bringing with him a deep passion for the artistry of hospitality. He is fascinated by the journey of every product—from sand transformed into glass, clay shaped into crockery, or metal crafted into cutlery—blended with creativity, engineering, and technology to create tools that enable extraordinary experiences. For Robert, the theatre of service combined with the canvas of beautiful glassware, crockery, and cutlery is what makes hospitality truly magical.

Shared Vision

Together, Marcel, Olav, and Robert lead Core Catering Supplies with a shared vision: to deliver exceptional products and service while deeply understanding what hospitality professionals truly need to succeed. Yet their success and Core’s enduring growth has always depended on more than just leadership. It is thanks to our dedicated team members in every department, and our franchise owners who have carried the Core Catering brand into communities across South Africa, that we are able to stand strong as one of the largest and most trusted suppliers in the country.

A People-First Approach

For over 25 years, Core Catering Supplies has remained steadfast in its mission: to empower the hospitality industry with quality products, innovative solutions, and a people-first approach. Our story is not just about what we supply — it is about who we are. A company built on teamwork, guided by passion, and strengthened by the belief that hospitality is, at its heart, about people.

At Core Catering Supplies, we believe in championing the hospitality professionals and industry bodies that drive progress, innovation, and inclusivity in our sector. One such initiative making a significant impact is Women in Culinary, a platform launched by the South African Chefs Association (SA Chefs) to empower female chefs, provide mentorship, and create meaningful career opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

For over 48 years, SA Chefs has been the leading voice for chefs, cooks, and caterers in South Africa. With a network of over 9,600 members, including executive chefs, restaurateurs, culinary educators, and apprentices, the association is dedicated to skills development, transformation, and elevating professional standards across the industry. Chef Coo, President of SA Chefs, is a key advocate for this mission, working alongside industry leaders to shape the future of South Africa’s culinary landscape.

Women in Culinary: A Movement for Change

The Women in Culinary Committee highlights key action points to bridge gender disparities, foster mentorship, and create more opportunities for women in professional kitchens. Beyond individual growth, it also focuses on sustainability and responsible menu choices, encouraging chefs to make a broader impact on both the industry and the planet.

At Core, we work closely with chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals every day. Many of our clients, suppliers, and partners are active members of SA Chefs, and we fully support initiatives that uplift and develop the industry. Core Randburg General Manager, Antony Greene, shared his thoughts on the significance of these efforts, saying, “This is an important initiative, and as a company, we can increase our support for the work being done to drive positive change in the industry.”

By aligning with organizations like SA Chefs, we stay connected to the evolving needs of our customers and ensure that we continue to provide the best hospitality solutions and products to professionals who rely on them. Whether it’s through mentorship, industry collaboration, or creating access to premium hospitality products, Core remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion and excellence in the industry we serve.