OBITUARY
REMEMBERING TONY LAURENSON: A LEGEND IN ALL OUR LUNCHTIMES… The incredibly sad news that Global Infusion Group Founder and CEO, Tony Laurenson, had passed away suddenly at home on 19 January sent shockwaves around the industry. His family and colleagues have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from all over the world such is the legacy that he leaves. By the early 1980s, Tony had already forged a career in catering, having spent time in the Merchant Navy. A conversation with friends revealed that no one was really catering for musicians when they went on tour and that many bands were spending a small fortune eating out each night. Tony saw an opportunity and Eat to the Beat was launched on 7 February 1984. Initially working from his parents’ garage with just a flight case, he headed out on tour with Joe Jackson and Iron Maiden in that first year. It didn’t take long for other top artists and bands to be enticed by delicious food, the friendly and professional approach and ultra-efficient logistics services. Very soon, Eat to the Beat was touring with Joe Cocker, The Cure, Cliff Richard, Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Shakin’ Stevens among many other famous names of the ’90s. When Tony was told the catering for
crews and stars backstage was often better than the food being served to VIPs, corporate guests, or paying punters in front of house, he launched a corporate hospitality division. In 1991, Eat to the Beat blossomed into Global Infusion Group, which now includes GIG, the catering and hospitality division that Eat to the Beat is part of, along with sister company Bonnie May Food & Events and e2b, its brand logistics division. The industry awards came rolling in, and with continued support from suppliers, partners and clients, Global Infusion Group expanded across Europe and USA, and into the Middle East and Asia. Today the company’s client list includes The Rolling Stones, Red Bull (over 20 years), Coldplay (17 years), Glastonbury (over 30 years), Cirque du Soleil, multiple winter and summer global games, European Games, the National Television Awards and numerous prime time TV shows. Tony’s career highlights include so many of the most prestigious events held in the past four decades: delivering 37 kitchens at London 2012, the only caterer to fully operate a VCP from their own site; catering for numerous royal occasions – the Queen’s 90th Birthday, Golden and Diamond Jubilees, 08
