CULINARY experts, business stakeholders and sponsors converged at the Jamaica Observer’s headquarters on Thursday, September 1, 2022 for the official launch of the 23rd staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards.

The launch, which took the form of a brunch, saw 34 business leaders exchanging ideas about the future of food in Jamaica.

The Food Awards, called ‘the Oscars of Food’, is the brainchild of Novia McDonald-Whyte, senior associate editor, lifestyle & social content at the Jamaica Observer Limited.

“Twenty-three years ago we said ‘Let’s have an Oscar night in food.’ Today it really is the most superb event, one night only, that you can imagine,” said McDonald-Whyte.

She argued that food is a business, noting that the industry is an economic driver for the island with untapped potential.

“We want people to see food as a business…the two things that never suffer in life are shoes and handbags. When we’re sitting down and eating we are beautifully dressed, so it’s a package. Once you lift the food industry you lift everything else,” reasoned McDonald-Whyte.

According to the World Food Travel Association, the global gastronomy industry is estimated to be worth over US$150 billion annually.

The Food Awards in particular creates an ecosystem in which various business operators thrive. To name a few, the event utilises event planners, fashion designers, make-up artistes, tailors, dressmakers, among others.

Dr Carey Wallace, executive director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, who was also at the event, shared that his agency is focused on the linkages which can be created around gastronomy.

“Our job is to convert these blessed ingredients we have into revenues and wealth, especially the kind of wealth that spreads across the length and breadth of Jamaica,” said Wallace.

McDonald-Whyte shared also that there is a philanthropic component of the Food Awards, noting that the event provides financial assistance via scholarships for culinary students at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

“It has always been my desire for us to leave a legacy, and that legacy is to lift the students at the University of Technology. I had the absolute privilege of being on staff for two years as a guest lecturer and I really felt as a lecturer that these students needed help. I wanted them to understand food outside of the ubiquitous pot that was put in front of them,” she explained.

She admitted that despite financial challenges, the scholarship component remains a key part of the event.

“We were able last year, even though it was tight, to afford scholarships to the University of Technology. This year we will continue. Last year we gave a scholarship in my name and this year I’m going to do the same thing.”

She encouraged those who can to donate to the cause, highlighting that it will do wonders for the food industry in the long run.

About 50 students will be working at the Food Awards this year, and their service will be counted as credits towards their degree programme at the university.

In the same vein, the Food Awards curator expressed thanks to all the sponsors who continue to give despite difficult economic conditions.

Ahead of the September 29 awards ceremony, a ‘Foodie Seminar’ will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 with the topic ‘Thriving post-pandemic’.

Speakers at the seminar will address current affairs issues like shrinkflation and branding.

McDonald-Whyte announced at the brunch that the recipient of the Chairman’s award this year is Debra Taylor-Smith, luxury portfolio manager at Select Brands Jamaica.

McDonald-Whyte said she was selected “for the amazing energy that she has brought to the landscape re: wines”.

The Lifetime Achievement award will be received by Lisa Watson, director at Cal’s Manufacturing, on behalf of her father, Carlton Watson.