On September 23rd, 2025, the Food&Home team gathered with over 100 distinguished guests at the Beck Family’s Steenberg Wine Farm to celebrate what has become one of the most anticipated events in South Africa’s culinary calendar: the Food&Home Awards 2025.
Set within the elegant surrounds of Tryn Restaurant, the day epitomized the very essence of what these awards represent; a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the celebration of South African food craftsmanship.
The venue itself spoke volumes about the calibre of the event. Steenberg Farm, home to the prestigious 5-Star Steenberg Hotel & Spa, was recently honoured as one of the top ten hotels in Africa by Condé Nast’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards – a reflection of the exceptional hospitality that surrounded our celebration.
Three years of championing food excellence
Now in its third year, the Food&Home Awards has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of South Africa’s food industry recognition. Since launching in 2023, these awards have distinguished themselves through a fundamental principle: creating a genuinely level playing field where heritage retail brands stand shoulder-to-shoulder with passionate artisanal producers and innovative one-person operations.
This is a necessary, not just symbolic, democratisation of acknowledgement. In carefully defined categories, we ensure that excellence is measured by merit alone, allowing hidden gems to shine alongside household names and giving consumers the confidence to explore the full spectrum of South African food innovation.
Behind the elegance of the awards ceremony lies an extraordinary feat of evaluation. This year, our distinguished adjudication panel undertook the formidable task of assessing over 1,337 products from more than 158 brands – a true reflection of the vibrant diversity and ambition of South Africa’s food producers.
The significance of recognition
The Food&Home Awards serve a purpose that extends far beyond a single day of celebration. In an industry where margins are tight and competition is fierce, independent validation from respected authorities provides producers with powerful credibility. For consumers navigating an increasingly complex marketplace, these awards offer trusted guidance toward products that deliver genuine quality and value.
Moreover, by celebrating excellence across all scales of production – from major manufacturers to artisanal creators – we reinforce a vital message: South African food culture is rich, diverse, and worthy of both preservation and innovation.
Our panel of judges were; Lila Lerien, the creative force behind The Big Tasty Bite, brought her discerning palate and deep understanding of food trends to the table.
Zola Nene, chef, cookbook author, and beloved television personality, has become one of South Africa’s most trusted voices in food media, combining technical expertise with genuine passion.
Jessica van Dyk, chef-owner of Post and Pepper, contributed her entrepreneurial insight and culinary excellence to the evaluation process.
Bianca Muller, former Brand Editor of Food & Home, brought institutional knowledge and editorial perspective to the judging. And lastly, Jezza-Rae Larsen, executive content creator for various food publications, rounded out the panel with her contemporary understanding of food communication and consumer engagement.
Our judges navigated this impressive array of entries using carefully weighted criteria designed to capture the multifaceted nature of food excellence:
- 50% for Taste – Because ultimately, great food must deliver an exceptional sensory experience that delights and satisfies.
- 25% for Innovation and uniqueness – Rewarding those who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and bring fresh perspectives to South African food.
- 25% for Quality and ingredients – Recognizing producers who source the finest components and demonstrate true craftsmanship in their work.
This balanced approach ensures that winners represent not just momentary pleasure, but sustained quality, creative vision, and authentic value.
A gracious host and culinary partner
Before proceeding to the certificate ceremony, special recognition was extended to the Beck Family Hospitality team at Tryn, with particular acknowledgment of Chef Kerry Kilpin, Steenberg Farm’s Executive Chef.
For over a decade, Chef Kerry has become synonymous with world-class dining in the Constantia Valley. Her stewardship of the estate’s two restaurant – Bistro Sixteen82 and Tryn – has elevated culinary standards while championing sustainability initiatives that resonate deeply with modern values.Drawing from her farm upbringing and enriched by international experiences, Chef Kerry’s philosophy centres on locally sourced ingredients and signature contemporary classics “with a twist.” Her commitment to terroir-driven cuisine and sustainable practices mirrors the very values we celebrate through the Food & Home Awards.
Looking forward
As we reflect on another successful year of the Food & Home Awards, we’re reminded that excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey. The 1,337 products we evaluated represent countless hours of recipe development, sourcing negotiations, production refinements, and passionate commitment to craft. To all who participated – whether as winners, finalists, or entrants – you are shaping the future of South African food. To our judges, your expertise and dedication ensure these awards maintain their integrity and significance. And to our partners at Steenberg Farm, your hospitality provided the perfect setting for this celebration of culinary excellence.
The Food&Home Awards 2025 may have concluded, but its impact continues – in kitchens across South Africa where awarded products bring joy to tables, in the confidence of producers whose work has been validated, and in the elevated expectations of consumers who now know what excellence tastes like.
Here’s to South African food in all its diversity, innovation, and delicious excellence.
