Stellenbosch, Cape Town – On Saturday 24 March the 2012 the winners for the annual Eat In DStv Food Network Produce Awards were announced. The ceremony took place at the Stellenbosch Slowmarket and was hosted by Food Network’s Jenny Morris, also known as the Giggling Gourmet, one of SA’s most-loved food personalities.
The Awards acknowledge and celebrate outstanding, independent South African producers, food markets and outlets for their innovation, passion, integrity and care for the environment.
With 15 categories, from Best New Product to Best Market, nominees were judged by Anelde Greeff, Anna Trapido, Abigail Donnelly, Pete Goffe-Wood, Jackie Cameron and Deon van Wyk. Nominees were judged on a set of criteria per category but overall aspects such as taste, appearance, aroma, innovation and care for the environment were taken into account.
A new award for Best Local Food Blog was also announced to acknowledge the role that local bloggers play in South Africa’s food industry. This category, unlike all the others, was voted for by the public on the site, www.eat-in.co.za.
Eat In editor Anelde Greeff said; “This year we were amazed once again at the talent that South Africa’s small producers have to offer. The judges were inundated with excellent produce and beautiful behind-the-scenes stories from across the country, but it was the passion, innovation and exceptional taste of the 18 winners that really stood out.”
2012’s winners are:
- Best Outlets: South – Ocean’s Edge; East – Piggly Wiggly; North – Braeside Butchery
- Best Markets: South – Wild Oats; East – The Food Market; North – Pretoria Boeremark
- Best New Product: Karma jams
- Innovation Award: Earthshine’s Kale chips
- Small producer Confectionery: Sweet Temptations toffee
- Small producer Grocery: Quality pickles
- Small producer Bakery: Oude Bank Bakkerij
- Small producer Earth: Boon Hill salad leaves
- Small producer Dairy/cheese: Buffalo Ridge (most notably the feta and ricotta)
- Small producer Dairy/other: Jenny’s clotted cream
- Small producer Paddock: Dargle Duck
- Organic/Free-range award: Croft chicken
- Heritage award: Rozendal vinegar
- Best local food blog: Nina Timm’s My easy cooking
Nick Thorogood, Managing Director at Food Network EMEA; “All of the award winners should be very proud of their achievements. We’re pleased to be involved in these awards and supporting local industries, as they really showcase the very best of South Africa’s produce. This is particularly important to us as we aim to produce more local content throughout 2012.”
Graham Pfuhl, Marketing and Sales Director, MultiChoice; “We are proud to be associated with the Eat In Produce Awards and we would like to congratulate all the winners for their hard work and contribution in putting South Africa on the international food map.”
