An innovative product developed with care and consideration for the environment. The winner will be South African grown or made using primarily South African produce. Developed between September 2010 and September 2011.

This award is in recognition of the vital role that independent suppliers play in connecting producers with the public. An outstanding outlet should uplift and support the small South African producer in terms of consumer feedback, in-store promotion, customer education and dedicated shelf/fridge space. Factors that will be considered include the level of promotion and consumer awareness (education) regarding stocked produce; general cleanliness of store; variety of merchandise; general merchandising – produce positioning; staff friendliness; and product knowledge.

This award is in recognition of the vital role that independent suppliers play in connecting producers with the public. An outstanding outlet should uplift and support the small South African producer in terms of consumer feedback, in-store promotion, customer education and dedicated shelf/fridge space. Factors that will be considered include the level of promotion and consumer awareness (education) regarding stocked produce; general cleanliness of store; variety of merchandise; general merchandising – produce positioning; staff friendliness; and product knowledge.The product must be certified 100% organic and necessary paperwork must be provided. The produce must be South African grown or developed using primarily South African produce.

For an individual, group or community in the food or agriculture industry that celebrates the preservation of threatened produce, farming practices and/orgastronomic traditions. Factors that will be considered include social upliftment; preservation and promotion of South African culinary cultures; care for the environment; and the promotion of South Africa in general.

The winner of each category is a consistently high quality product that has maintained its level of excellence for more than two years. It must be South African grown or developed using primarily South African produce. Due care and consideration for both the environment and workforce are essential criteria.

This award recognises the role that independent bloggers play in growing the local food industry. This category will be open to public vote in early 2012.