The 2022 FOOD XX Awards are here!

FOOD XX is the ultimate celebration of excellence and innovation in the food industry in South Africa. Launched in 2019 by Studio H founder Hannerie Visser, it’s an initiative that’s about “more than just girl power”: it’s an inclusive platform that acknowledges and celebrates women pushing the envelope in South Africa’s culinary landscape. It highlights impactful work across all sectors of the industry: farmers, brewers, sommeliers, caterers, chefs, writers and stylists.

“A major focus for FOOD XX is the food producers who are often overlooked in the industry, or whose contributions are not widely recognised in the mainstream. The aim of the initiative is to shine a light on all those budding (and established) culinary minds,” says Hannerie.

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The 2022 FOOD XX Awards sees awards across a range of sectors, including (but not limited to):

- Food Educator, for the teachers and mentors dedicated to sharing knowledge and encouraging food innovators

- Heritage, for the guardians of our rich food heritage

- Newcomer, for new businesses launched in the last 12 months

- Future Food, for the solution-driven visionaries

- Giving Back, for change-makers,

- Sustainability, celebrating those committed to helping us rethink and protect every part of the food chain

 

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The diverse panel of judges at the 2022 FOOD XX Awards include award-winning South African chef and restauranteur Mmabatho Molefe; food activist and author of Veggielicious, Mokgadi Itsweng; South Africa’s first professional microbrewer and founder of Brewster’s Craft, Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, and writer, food stylist and photographer Georgia East.

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The morning event includes a tea ceremony led by Michele Mistry of Indikaap Aryuveda Vegan, followed by a keynote speech by Mmabatho Molefe. A light breakfast will be collaboratively prepared by confectionary Sweet Lionheart, Wild Yeast and Studio H. The FOOD XX Awards will be MCed by TASTE’s very own deputy food editor, Khanya Mzongwana.

The 2022 FOOD XX Awards are supported by Spekko Rice and take place at the V&A Waterfront’s Maker’s Landing on 30 August 2022 at 10h00. Tickets are available at Quicket.