2 TASTE members scoop prestigious FOOD XX Awards

TASTE has been collecting awards for many years, and now it has two more to add to the list. On Wednesday 28 August at the FOOD XX Awards, TASTE food director Abigail Donnelly took home the legacy award, and deputy food editor Khanya Mzongwana clinched the Food Writer award.

The winners were announced at a ceremony at Soetmelksvlei, Babylonstoren. Launched by Studio H in 2019, the awards celebrate the remarkable contributions made by women across the food and hospitality industry, recognising excellence in everything from farming and food styling, to education, culinary heritage and more.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by FOOD XX AFRICA: WOMEN IN FOOD (@fxxd_xx)

Remarkable women in the food industry were nominated by the public in 19 categories throughout July and August, with the judging performed by an independent panel comprising winners from the previous year. The winners were those who had the most votes from a pool of 500 candidates.

“We're thrilled to shine a light on the extraordinary women shaping the future of our industry,” says Hannerie Visser, director and founder of Studio H. “The FOOD XX Awards are more than just a celebration of their achievements; they are a platform for amplifying their voices and fostering a community where women can inspire, uplift and support one another across every aspect of food and hospitality.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by FOOD XX AFRICA: WOMEN IN FOOD (@fxxd_xx)

These awards are particularly special because they were voted for by professionals in the food industry. TASTE strives to create the very best content for its audience and your support is the reason why the brand and its team members are celebrated in this space. Well done Abi and Khanya, we're so proud of you!

Find out more about FOOD XX Awards 2025 at @fxxd_xx on Instagram. 

Here's the full list of FOOD XX winners:

Baker: Megan Wessels, owner of With HÄRT Bakery

Behind the scenes: Chiara Turilli, co-founder of Lello’s Deli

Drinks: Danielle Schoeman, founder and distiller at Doña Distillery

Food Educator: Debbie Ayub, co-owner & principal of Sense of Taste Chef School

Food Entrepreneur: Daniela Gutstadt, owner and executive chef at Culinary Table Restaurant and Deli in Lanseria

Farming: Iming Lin, owner of Meuse Farm

Food Heritage: Mashau Mabunda, founder of Xigugu Royalty

Food Photographer: Ashleigh Frans, owner of Wide Wing Photography

Food stylist presented by Spekko: Simone Nel

Food writer presented by Spekko: Khanya Mzongwana, deputy food editor, Woolworths TASTE

Front of House presented by Krone: Katlego Mathobela, head sommelier at Proud Mary

Future Food: Roushanna Gray, founder and owner of Veld and Sea

Giving Back: Nolizwe Sotondoshe, founder of Nande’s Kitchen

In The Kitchen: Jes Doveton, owner of Acid Wine Bar

Sustainability: Latiefah Behardien, chief technical and sustainability officer at Woolworths Foods

Legacy Award: Abigail Donnelly, food director of Woolworths TASTE, Eat Out chief judge and food creative for Woolworths Foods Marketing

Trailblazer: Zyda Rylands, outgoing CEO of Woolworths Foods

Chef of the Year presented by ClemenGold: Jessica van Dyk, chef patron at Post & Pepper

Food Icon: Xoliswa Ndoyiya, former personal chef to Nelson Mandela and custodian of Xhosa culinary culture