International chefs draw crowds
Ramsay and the South African Culinary Olympic Team raised more than R1.3 million for South African charities, Bobbie Bear and Door of Hope, at a gala dinner on the Friday, held in association with Samsung and hosted by the show.
This year more than 200 exhibitors displayed the latest in food and kitchen trends and many were sold out of product by the end of the show, boasting their highest sales ever. The organisers said it was clear from exhibitor feedback that visitors were out to shop, a fact emphasised by the number of porters and trolleys required by consumers to move their purchases from the show to their vehicles.
Exhibition awards, highlights
The Good Food & Wine Product of the Year Awards, designed to develop and grow brands in South Africa's developing but volatile socio-economic environment, was awarded to Lovoka, a prize of nearly R1 million worth of development for its business.
The Gold Pack Award, which encompasses best stand, product and service, went to The Tea Merchant, a business that is passionate about quality tea, teapots and accessories.
Other highlights included the Spekko 'Cook Like a Master Challenge', won by Centurion housewife, Natalie Naidoo who walked away with R50 000 in cash and AMC Cookware for her pickled fish and savoury rice dish, as well as two mystery basket challenges.