When it comes to elegance, service, and creating unforgettable experiences, few places capture it quite like Pearl Valley in Paarl. We’re proud to work alongside venues that truly understand the meaning of hospitality, and Pearl Valley is one of those special places. From their attention to detail to the effortless way they combine natural beauty with world-class service, it’s easy to see why guests fall in love the moment they arrive.
Nestled in the breathtaking Cape Winelands, Pearl Valley offers something for everyone. It’s not just a destination, it’s an experience. Whether you’re playing a round of golf on their famous Jack Nicklaus Signature course, enjoying a leisurely lunch at The Valley Restaurant, or simply taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, there’s a sense of peace that settles over you. Every corner feels carefully thought out, every meal perfectly presented, and every moment designed to make you feel cared for.
We’re especially proud to see how Core Catering Supplies plays a small part in helping Pearl Valley create these unforgettable moments. From elegant table settings to high-quality catering equipment, it’s the finer details that bring their hospitality to life. Seeing our products used in a place that values both beauty and function so highly truly makes us smile.
What makes Pearl Valley even more special is the warmth that runs through everything they do. It’s more than a luxury estate; it’s a place where people connect, celebrate, and unwind. You can feel it the moment you walk through the doors that genuine sense of welcome that turns a visit into a memory.
Have you ever spent a day at Pearl Valley in Paarl? What was your favourite part of your visit? The views, the food, or just the feeling of being there?
A tropical-flavoured mocktail is one of those simple pleasures that instantly makes you feel like you’re somewhere sunny, even if you’re not. It’s colourful, refreshing, and completely alcohol free, perfect for summer weddings, corporate functions, or any event that calls for something bright and cheerful.
WHY DO WE LOVE IT?
The best part is that you only need a few ingredients.
Mango – Fresh, frozen (thawed), or bottled mango nectar all work well. For the best flavour, blend fresh or thawed mango into a smooth puree.
Pineapple Juice – Naturally sweet and tangy. Choose one without added sugar so the fruit flavours can shine.
Coconut Water – Light, hydrating, and a great base for mocktails. If you like a bit of fizz, try sparkling coconut water or a splash of kombucha.
Hibiscus Tea (or Pomegranate or Cranberry Juice) – This adds that beautiful red layer and a gentle tartness to balance the sweetness.
Tropical-flavoured Mocktail
This mocktail combines the sweetness of mango, the tang of pineapple, and the natural hydration of coconut water. It’s tropical, light, and full of flavour, just how we like it.
Food is more than nourishment; it’s an experience that connects people. Few dishes embody that spirit quite like pasta. Every year on October 25th, chefs and food lovers celebrate World Pasta Day, a tribute to one of the world’s most loved and versatile foods.
For hospitality professionals, this isn’t just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of how a simple, humble ingredient can inspire creativity and connection in kitchens everywhere.
Why Pasta Belongs on Every Hospitality Menu
Pasta has universal appeal. It’s affordable, adaptable, and satisfying. This makes it a firm favourite across all types of dining, from five-star hotels and fine-dining restaurants to casual cafés and catering events.
Classic dishes such as Spaghetti Bolognese, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Penne Arrabbiata never go out of style. Instead they give chefs endless room to explore. By experimenting with textures, sauces, and seasonal ingredients, chefs continue to keep this timeless dish fresh and exciting for today’s guests.
Presentation Matters: Tools of the Trade
At Core Catering Supplies, we know that the right presentation can turn a great dish into a memorable one. The perfect bowl of pasta deserves more than just a great recipe; it deserves quality dinnerware. This helps chefs achieve consistency, comfort, and style in every service.
From durable serveware to quality pasta bowls and dinnerware all the way from Europe, our products are designed to support those long, creative hours in the kitchen. We work alongside the hospitality industry to ensure chefs have everything they need to craft dishes that look as good as they taste.
Beyond its delicious appeal, pasta carries an important message of sustainability. Made from simple, often locally sourced ingredients, it offers chefs a canvas for dishes that cater to a wide variety of diets and cultures.
Whether gluten-free, plant-based, or indulgent with rich sauces, pasta adapts to every guest’s needs, making it one of the most inclusive dishes on any menu. It reflects the true heart of hospitality: nourishing, versatile, and endlessly comforting.
We find ourselves privileged to work alongside some of South Africa’s most inspiring culinary leaders, chefs who don’t just cook but tell stories through their food. One such visionary is Chef Christo Pretorius, Executive Chef at The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, whose philosophy perfectly captures the evolving spirit of South African luxury hospitality.
Over the past few years, Chef Christo has witnessed and helped shape a remarkable shift in the fine dining landscape. “Fine dining is no longer just about technique, it’s about storytelling, provenance, and emotion,” he explains. South Africa’s most prestigious kitchens are moving toward immersive, narrative-driven experiences where every plate tells a tale of place, heritage, and innovation.
Hyper-Localism and Indigenous Ingredients
One of the most exciting trends redefining the industry is hyper-localism, the celebration of indigenous ingredients and the people behind them. Chef Christo and his team at The 12 Apostles work hand in hand with local farmers, foragers, and artisans to showcase the best of South Africa’s biodiversity. From biodynamic grains like sorghum and wheat koring to coastal seafood sourced ethically from Saldanha Bay and Struisbaai, every element of the menu reflects a deep connection to the land.
“Sustainability isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a daily practice,” says Christo. By sourcing locally and seasonally, his team reduces their carbon footprint while creating menus that are deeply rooted in place, proof that local is indeed lekker.
Technology Meets Tradition
While his food draws on memory, heritage, and nostalgia, Chef Christo also embraces cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability. At The 12 Apostles, AI-powered tools like Winnow are transforming how kitchens manage food waste. Using smart cameras to track and analyze leftovers, the system provides data-driven insights that help the team craft “no waste” products such as chutneys, jams, and infused oils from offcuts and peels.
Technology is also reshaping staff training and operations. With digital platforms like Mapal, The 12 Apostles ensures consistent performance and skill development among its kitchen brigade, proving that the future of hospitality lies at the intersection of tradition and technology.
Global Influence, Local Soul
South African chefs like Christo continue to take cues from global culinary trends such as fermentation, plant-based dining, and artistic plating, but always ground their creations in authentic South African flavour. A French-inspired New Year’s Eve menu may feature Kalahari beef or Cape crayfish, blending international finesse with local soul.
And yet, for all the sophistication, his roots remain proudly South African. Whether it’s a risotto with grilled calamari that evolves with the seasons or the smoky, soulful simplicity of a braai, Christo’s cooking is as much about people and place as it is about flavour and finesse.
The People Behind the Plate
Hospitality, Christo reminds us, is about more than food, it’s about connection. “The restaurant industry needs people, and people need to eat, we go hand in hand.” That belief shines through in everything he does, from his team’s meticulous attention to detail to the warmth of the guest experience.
As suppliers, Core Catering Supplies takes immense pride in supporting chefs like Christo, professionals who demand excellence, sustainability, and innovation in every aspect of their craft. Whether sourcing high-performance kitchen tools or eco-conscious catering equipment, we share the same commitment to quality and consistency that drives South Africa’s top culinary destinations.
A Culinary Legacy Rooted in Memory
Christo’s food philosophy can be summed up simply:
“My goal as a chef is to create lasting memories. I want my guests to sit at Azure, look at the view, smell the ocean, taste our dishes, and create some amazing memories for themselves, and I’m proud to be part of that.”
It’s this blend of heart, heritage, and forward-thinking innovation that makes chefs like Christo Pretorius such valued members of South Africa’s hospitality community, and why Core Catering Supplies loves having clients like him. Together, we’re helping to shape a future where South African hospitality isn’t just world-class, it’s world-defining.
Celebration deserves to shine brightly, and few occasions capture that spirit quite like Diwali, the Festival of Lights. With more than a billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists around the world celebrating this festival, Diwali is a time that brings people together through light, love, and shared experiences. For those in the hospitality industry, it is also an incredibly special opportunity to create warmth, connection, and joy through meaningful gatherings, beautiful table settings, and exceptional food.
The Spirit of Diwali: Light, Love, and Togetherness
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, translates to “a row of lights,” and its essence lies in the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Across homes, restaurants, hotels, and event spaces, vibrant colours, flickering diyas, and the aroma of delicious food create an atmosphere of celebration and hope. It is a time when hospitality truly shines as families and friends gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and celebrate abundance.
Bringing the Festival to Life Through Atmosphere and Design
At Core Catering, we understand how important presentation and atmosphere are during this time. The festival inspires warm, welcoming spaces filled with soft lighting, golden tones, and a touch of sparkle. From elegant serving platters to gleaming glassware and buffet displays that showcase festive treats, every detail adds to the sense of togetherness that defines Diwali. For restaurants and catering teams, it is also an opportunity to offer themed menus featuring traditional favourites like samosas, pakoras, gulab jamun, and jalebi, all served with the same care and attention that this festival inspires.
Hospitality with Heart: Reflection, Renewal, and Gratitude
Beyond its beauty and festivity, Diwali holds deep meaning. It marks renewal, reflection, and gratitude, values that align closely with the heart of hospitality. Just as people clean their homes and light diyas to welcome prosperity and positivity, businesses in the hospitality sector prepare their spaces to welcome guests with open arms, offering not just food and service but a feeling of warmth and belonging.
As the celebrations light up cities across South Africa and around the world, Core Catering Supplies is proud to support the industry that makes these moments so memorable. Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner or a grand Diwali banquet, the right catering equipment can help transform your space into something truly special.
This Diwali, let us celebrate the power of light in our homes, in our kitchens, and in the way we serve others. From all of us at Core Catering Supplies, we wish you a Diwali filled with brightness, joy, and unforgettable hospitality.
At Core Catering Supplies, we’re proud to work with some of South Africa’s most exceptional hospitality brands, establishments that share our passion for quality, care, and the art of creating unforgettable guest experiences.
One of those shining examples is the Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City, the flagship of the Courtyard Hotels brand within City Lodge Hotels.
Effortless Elegance and Genuine Warmth
From the moment you arrive, Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City makes it clear that luxury doesn’t have to shout. Instead, it’s calm, considered, and effortlessly elegant. Living by their brand’s motto, “The Soft Life Made Easy,” the team brings that promise to life through warm, personalised service and exceptional attention to detail.
Design That Tells a Story
Every corner of the Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City tells a story of comfort and intention. The interiors strike the perfect balance between contemporary sophistication and homely warmth.
From the calm, welcoming lobby to the perfectly plated meals in the restaurant, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a space that feels both luxurious and inviting – a true sanctuary away from home.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
At Core Catering Supplies, we’re honoured to support spaces like this. Our commitment to providing premium hospitality products and professional service mirrors Courtyard Hotel’s own pursuit of excellence.
The glassware, table settings, and service essentials we supply are carefully chosen to complement their refined, modern aesthetic, enhancing the guest experience from the first sip to the last bite.
Why Relationships Like This Matter
Relationships like these remind us why we love what we do. It’s not just about products, it’s about being part of the journey that shapes exceptional hospitality. When a team like Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City delivers such care and consistency, it raises the bar for what it means to truly make guests feel at home.
We stay inspired by their dedication to living “The Soft Life Made Easy” and proud to play even a small part in helping them achieve it. After all, true hospitality is about people, passion, and those perfect little details that make someone’s day.
Running a kitchen or bar isn’t just about what happens in front of guests. It’s about what goes on behind the scenes. The way you store, wash, and transport your glassware, cutlery, equipment, and groceries can completely change how smoothly your service runs. Proper storage methods can dramatically reduce losses while ensuring your service remains efficient, hygienic, and professional.
Smart Storage: The Role of Rack Systems
If you’ve ever had to rewash clean glasses or found a few chipped ones right before service, you’ll know how valuable proper storage really is. Cambro racks are made from durable, high-temperature-resistant plastic and designed with clever compartments that keep each glass safe and secure. The open interior allows for thorough washing, while the closed outer walls protect everything from dust, dirt, and unnecessary handling. With different sizes and compartment options available, you can choose a rack that fits your glassware perfectly.
Add a Cambro cover and dolly, and you’ve got a sealed, mobile, and stackable system that makes moving between wash-up and service areas effortless.
Save labour: stored glasses stay dust-free and ready for service
Cut waste: fewer damaged items and less re-washing
Handling and Hygiene Practices
Good storage isn’t just about keeping things tidy. It’s about protecting your investment and maintaining hygiene. When everything has its place, there’s less risk of breakage, less time wasted searching for items, and a lot more confidence during those busy service rushes. Systems like the Camrack make life easier by letting you wash, store, and serve directly from the same rack, saving time and reducing unnecessary handling. Train your team to:
Carry racks from the base, never the edges
Avoid stacking above shoulder height
Let glasses air-dry fully before storage
Clean racks regularly and replace cracked dividers
Overall Cost Savings
Layout and Workflow
Set up a dedicated glassware zone separate from heavy equipment and chemicals. Keep racks on wheeled dollies or sturdy shelving for easy mobility. Position this zone near your dishwashing area but away from busy traffic routes to minimise the chance of accidents.
Use the Edition 13 Catalogue Glass Rack Guide
Our brand-new Edition 13 Catalogue features a Glass Rack and Compartment Guide in the glassware section, an invaluable tool for hospitality professionals.
How confident are you in your current storage setup? Are your glasses, utensils, and equipment truly protected and ready for service, or could a smarter system help your next shift run even better?
As Halloween increasingly gains foothold in South Africa’s social calendar, hospitality operators – from hotels and restaurants to event venues and catering companies – are presented with creative opportunities to engage guests in seasonal programming. But doing Halloween “well” requires more than a veneer of cobwebs and skeletons: it demands narrative, logistical precision, and sensitivity to local context. In this article, we explore trends, exemplary events around the country, challenges and best practices to inspire your own Halloween activations.
Context & Consumer Appetite
Why this matters to hospitality operators Halloween, once a niche or novelty event in South Africa, is steadily being embraced – particularly in urban centers and among younger demographics – providing a seasonal anchor for thematic marketing and guest engagement.
Though trick-or-treating in the street is rare (largely due to safety concerns), Halloween in South Africa is often expressed through curated events (film festivals, haunted walks, dinner parties, costume nights) rather than casual door-to-door participation.
Halloween is no longer a fringe novelty in South Africa – it’s evolving into a recognized cultural moment offering imaginative space for hospitality brands to tell stories, deepen guest connection, and drive incremental revenue. The keys to success lie in balancing atmosphere with operational control, integrating F&B and décor thoughtfully, and aligning with local sensitivities.
If your venue or catering operation is exploring Halloween programming this year, think beyond gimmicks: treat it as a narrative arc, with modular layers for different guest types, and partner with trusted suppliers (like Core Catering Supplies) for themed serveware to bring your vision to life.
In today’s competitive hospitality world, presentation has become just as important as taste. Therefore, chefs and restaurateurs are constantly exploring new ways to make desserts memorable. The Onis Endura range of glassware, available fromCore Catering Supplies, offers a stylish yet practical way to serve desserts that impress both visually and textually.
Designed with busy service environments in mind, the Endura collection combines laser-cut rims for a refined lip feel with reinforced construction for lasting durability. As a result, it stands up beautifully to high-volume use while maintaining an air of sophistication. Moreover, these glasses are not just for drinks – they create a perfect stage for imaginative dessert presentations.
Why Glassware Matters in Dessert Service
In the professional kitchen, every detail contributes to the guest experience. Consequently, glassware has evolved from being a simple vessel to a key part of dessert presentation. With the Onis Endura range, transparency, proportion, and design all work together to highlight the artistry of the dessert itself.
Furthermore, glassware allows guests to appreciate the visual layers – creamy textures, fruit colors, and delicate garnishes – before even taking a bite. Each piece in the range is balanced for comfort, ensuring it feels right in the hand while looking effortlessly elegant on the table. In short, it merges practicality with visual appeal, a combination every hospitality professional values.
Dessert Inspirations for the Onis Endura Collection
The Onis Endura range adapts beautifully to modern dessert plating trends, blending visual sophistication with operational practicality. Here are a few chef-approved pairings to inspire your next menu innovation:
Fruit Salad with Sparkling Juice: Bright seasonal fruits layered with effervescent juice bring a refreshing twist to summer service.
Wine Jelly with Cream: A timeless European-inspired dessert that reflects sophistication and pairs perfectly with wine-focused menus.
Each dessert benefits from the clarity and sleek silhouette of Endura glassware, creating a sense of refinement without sacrificing ease of service. The synergy between desserts and drinks served in uniform glassware creates a cohesive visual language.
Occasions that Shine with Onis Endura
Hospitality professionals know that presentation should adapt seamlessly to the moment. The Endura range transitions easily across settings – from a casual family braai to a wine country lunch or a sunset garden event.
Because of its balance between durability and finesse, this glassware line works as effortlessly outdoors as it does in elegant dining rooms. Best enjoyed from lunch through sunset, the Endura range makes every occasion feel thoughtful and curated.
The Smart Investment for Hospitality Professionals
Choosing the Onis Endura range is a decision that combines design intelligence, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency. For chefs, caterers, and restaurateurs aiming to create memorable dessert presentations without compromising on practicality, this glassware collection offers lasting value.
With the trusted quality of Core Catering Supplies, professionals can access the full Onis Endura range, backed by product expertise and reliable service.
Introduction: Bringing Sustainability to South Africa
Since 2020, Core Catering Supplies has been the sole distributor of APS Germany in South Africa, giving local hotels, restaurants, and catering professionals access to one of Europe’s most innovative and environmentally conscious brands. At Core Catering, we focus on suppliers who not only deliver quality and design but also actively reduce their environmental impact. APS exemplifies this approach, offering products that minimize waste, extend lifespans, and encourage sustainable practices in every aspect of hospitality.
Sustainability as a Business Priority
For hospitality businesses today, sustainability is more than a trend – it is essential. APS demonstrates that environmental responsibility and innovation can coexist. Their products help reduce waste, lower energy consumption, and support ethical sourcing, allowing businesses to meet environmental goals while maintaining efficiency and style.
APS Germany: A German Brand with Global Responsibility
APS is known for its commitment to quality, design, and sustainable practices. While production takes place at multiple sites, the brand ensures strict environmental and ethical standards throughout its operations. By focusing on durability, efficient manufacturing, and responsible materials, APS provides solutions that help the hospitality industry operate more sustainably worldwide.
Durable, Long-Lasting Products
APS designs products with longevity in mind. Melamine buffetware combines elegance with resilience, reducing breakage and waste. Stainless steel and slate are fully recyclable, and washable cotton textiles replace single-use fabrics. By prioritizing reuse and resilience, APS enables hospitality businesses to cut waste and operate sustainably without compromising quality.
Innovation and Circularity
APS invests in energy-efficient machinery and highly trained staff to optimize production processes, reduce raw material waste, and maximize recycling. Their products are designed to be reused, recycled, or repurposed, supporting a circular economy and moving the hospitality industry away from single-use solutions.
Ethical Sourcing and Social Responsibility
APS is certified as a family-friendly company and a member of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and ethical supply chains. By adhering to German and EU environmental standards, APS ensures that every product is responsibly sourced and produced.
Reducing Waste in Hotels and Catering
APS products help hospitality businesses significantly reduce waste. Melamine buffetware minimizes breakages, slate and stainless-steel items replace disposable trays, and washable cotton textiles cut down on single-use fabrics. Modular, stackable designs reduce storage and transport needs, making operations more sustainable and efficient without compromising the guest experience.
Core Catering and APS Germany in South Africa
Through Core Catering, South African hospitality professionals can access APS Germany’s sustainable solutions. By choosing APS, businesses can reduce waste, lower emissions, and embrace environmentally conscious practices while maintaining premium quality and presentation.
Are You Ready to Lead the Way?
Sustainability in hospitality is no longer optional. With APS Germany’s eco-conscious solutions and Core Catering’s commitment to responsible sourcing, your hotel, restaurant, or catering business can reduce waste, conserve resources, and embrace a greener future. Are you ready to make choices that benefit both your business and the planet?
Every year, from 3 to 5 October 2025, the coastal town of Hermanus comes alive with the Hermanus Whale Festival. Indeed, it is one of the world’s only Eco-Marine Festivals, dedicated to the return of the southern right whales along the Walker Bay coastline.
For hospitality operators, this event is far more than a tourist curiosity. It is a concentrated period of higher demand, a branding opportunity, and a platform to showcase sustainability credentials.
Scale, Growth & Profile
The Hermanus Whale Festival typically draws between 75,000 and 130,000 visitors over its three-day span. The programming includes the Eco-Marine Village, craft & artisan markets, a street parade, live music and performances, the “Whales & Wheels” classic car show, a 10 km fun run, and marine talks. From modest beginnings, the Festival now commands international attention as a highlight of South Africa’s ecotourism calendar.
The scale and fixed schedule create a “peak window” with predictable surges. Advance preparation and capacity scaling are not optional, but essential.
Spiking Demand, Opportunity and Pressure
Many establishments employ dynamic pricing or differentiated packages (festival bundles, three-night rates, breakfast-included offers) to manage yield during the festival period.
The festival’s food courts and mobile vendor spaces are vital to satisfying guest expectations of diverse, high-quality event dining. This is a moment for suppliers like Core to step in and providing bulk cutlery, disposables, dinnerware, cold boxes, chafing, bar equipment, and other catering supplies.
Hotels can bundle whale-watching, local wine tastings, eco-marine talks, and festival event passes to differentiate. Hotels, restaurants, and event operators can leverage the festival’s marketing reach (print, social media, official festival partners) to showcase their brand.
Partnering with the festival’s conservation ethos strengthens brand positioning among eco-conscious travelers.
For a specialist catering / hospitality-supplier, the Hermanus Whale Festival offers a high-impact opportunity to strengthen partnerships, gain visibility, and cement reputation, not only of Core Catering Supplies, but the reputation of our trusted clients.
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