Award nominations open for women in food industry

Last year’s winner for the Secret Ingredient category, Maria van Zyl, from Gardens.

Women in the culinary industry can be nominated in the Food XX Awards.

During Women’s Month every year, the Food XX Awards, hosted by design consultancy Studio H, honour a group of women from across the country, celebrating their achievements in the various spheres of the food and hospitality industry. The closing date for nominations is Wednesday August 24.

Last year’s Food Icon category winner, Cass Abrahams from Retreat.

Taking place at Makers’ Landing at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal at the Waterfront on Tuesday August 30, the Food XX Awards aim to highlight the work of high-impact women in all facets of the field – from the farms to the kitchens and media, among other areas.

“It’s about shining a light on the incredible things women are doing in food and hospitality,” says Hannerie Visser, director and founder of Studio H.

“The sommeliers, the editors, the chefs, the waitrons and everyone in between – these awards are a chance to acknowledge and celebrate excellence.”

The categories for the 2022 Food XX Awards are: Alcohol, Bakers, Entrepreneurs, Farming, Food Educator, Food Icon, Food Styling, Fresh Voices, Front of House, Future Food, Heritage, In the Kitchen, Secret Ingredient, Sustainability, Judges’ Choice and Newcomer.

Nominations are open to the public, and one person can nominate as many candidates as they like, including themselves, by filling out a form on the Food XX Instagram account bio. The winners will then be announced on Tuesday August 30 during a breakfast event at Makers Landing.

Winner in the Food Styling category last year, Georgia East, from Table View.

Once all nominations have been received, the 2022 Food XX Awards panel of judges will vote for nominees.

The panel is comprised of the previous year’s winners, who are charged with passing on the titles.

Tickets for the 2022 Food XX Awards ceremony and breakfast event are available on Quicket.