After much deliberation over what the judges described as ‘outstanding food writing’ and ‘excellent presentations’, the finalists* in the 2015 Galliova Food and Health Writers’ Awards have been announced.
They were selected across the various award categories, which include the two main categories, Galliova Food Writer of the Year (magazines) and Galliova Food Writer of the Year (newspapers and weekly titles), and the affiliated awards, namely Health Writer of the Year; Up and Coming Food Writer of the Year; and the Galliova Egg Champion.
The finalists were selected after a day of intensive discussion by the food writers’ judging panel, which comprises Dorah Sitole, former True Love food editor and cook book author; Anna Montali, former food and deputy editor of Food & Home Entertaining; Jackie Cameron, chef, tutor, writer and cook book author; and Hetta van Deventer-Terblanche, author, culinary manager at Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant in Franschhoek and judge on kykNET’s Kokkedoor TV show.
“The standard of entries was once again very high this year. Even though I have been a Galliova Awards judge for a number of years, every year is different, and this year it was good to see new, young journalists entering,” says Sitole, who adds that she was looking for food writers who engaged their readers from the heart.
The judging in the health writer award category took place independently of the food writers’ adjudication. Here health judges, consultant dietitian Madeleine de Villiers, and emeritus associate professor in nutrition and dietetics and part-time consultant, Martinette Stretch, selected the most outstanding pieces of writing that also offered the most balanced reporting on health and nutritional issues.
Kevin Lovell, CEO of the SA Poultry Association, says for the first time ever, entrants can see exactly how the judging unfolded through an exclusive Galliova Awards judging video.
The winners’ names will be revealed at the official Galliova Awards ceremony, to be held on Friday October 16 at the Cavalli Wine & Stud Estate in Somerset West.
Galliova Awards 2015: Finalists in alphabetical order
Food Writers: Magazines
Abigail Donnelly – Woolworths Taste
Anke Roux – Fresh Living
Barbara Joubert – Sarie Kos
Diane Heierli – Wine Style & Good Taste
Hannah Lewry – Woolworths Taste
Herman Lensing – Sarie
Johane Neilson – Tuis/Home
Louisa Holst – Ideas/Idees
Margie Els-Burger – Your Family
Vickie de Beer – Rooi Rose
Food Writers: Weeklies & Newspapers
Debbie Reynolds – Mercury
Esther Malan – You/Huisgenoot
Hope Malau – Drum
Jenny Kay & Janice Lupini- The Star
Marlo Kitshoff-Carstens – Vrouekeur
Egg Champion
Anke Roux – Fresh Living
Christa Swanepoel – Vrouekeur
Diane Heierli- Wine Style & Good Taste
Esther Malan – You/Huisgenoot
Herman Lensing – Sarie
Margie Els-Burger – Your Family
Up & Coming
Anna-Carolina Alberts – Fresh Living
Clement Pedro – Woolworths Taste
Debbie Reynolds – Mercury
Esther Malan – You/Huisgenoot
Jana van Sittert – Fresh Living
Margie Els Burger – Your Family
Marlo Kitshoff-Carstens – Vrouekeur
Tumelo Sebopa – True Love
Health
Anna Rich – Fairlady
Christa Swanepoel – Vrouekeur
Glynis Horning – Life Healthcare
Lydia van der Merwe- Sarie
Salome Delport – Rooi Rose