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's 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."
The winners
Best Outlets
South: Ocean's Edge
East: Piggly Wiggly
North: Braeside Butchery
South: Wild Oats
East: The Food Market
North: Pretoria Boeremark
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
For more information, go to www.eat-in.co.za
