LEADING BLACK British food businesses were big winners at the UK’s first Caribbean Food Awards.

The first annual UK Caribbean Food Awards, in association with Just Eat, showcased the very best in the industry – from top restaurants, food and drink products, and business owners and entrepreneurs.

Founders of the awards, Dawn Burton and Marsha Barnett, wanted to launch a prestigious awards dedicated to the growing popularity of Caribbean food and drink in the UK.

Dawn Burton and Marsha Barnett both also run individual catering businesses – Caribburton

and JerkShack – and believe the industry needed a prestigious awards ceremony of its own.

Ms Burton said: “We are thrilled by the calibre of entries we received, in this, our first year. We

would like to thank all those who nominated and entered.”

She added: “The awards are to celebrate the hard work and be a platform for many of the hundreds of

Caribbean food businesses some which have been in operation for over 30 years, with little

to no business guidance or networking, there is a lot of work to be done but the awards

ceremony is a good positive place to start”.

Ms Barnett added: “Judging these entries was an extremely difficult job. We would like to thank our judges for their time and knowledge in choosing our finalists.”

As well as local businesses scooping prizes, some top celebrity chefs were also awarded for their long-standing contributions in promoting Caribbean cuisine.

Celebrity chef and TV personality, Rustie Lee, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

British chef and broadcaster, Andi Oliver won the Best Media personality award.

The inaugural event was hosted by broadcaster and journalist Brenda Emmanus and award-winning film producer and director Fredi Nwaka.

Victoria Gold, UK & IE Marketing Director at Just Eat UK, Gold sponsors of the awards said: “Just Eat is enormously proud to support the first UK Caribbean Food Awards.

“Small locally loved food businesses are often the unsung heroes of their community.

“They are working tirelessly to navigate a challenging economic climate while also serving delicious food day in day out. It’s only right that their achievements are celebrated on a national stage.”

The awards have come at a pivotal time for the Black businesses in the food and drink sector, as new figures estimate Caribbean food to be worth a staggering £100 million in the UK.

Ms Burton and Ms Barnett are also the founders of The Caribbean Food Collective which connects, promotes, and supports UK based Caribbean Food & Drink businesses and is a voice for the UK based Caribbean Food & Drink sector.

The business partners say they will continue to promote Caribbean food and drink at every chance they get.

Full list of Winners 2023:

National Restaurant: Rogers Kitchen

National Takeaway: Jen Jen’s Caribbean Kitchen

National Bakery:Sunrise Bakery

African Eatery: Oshos Grill

Latin American Eatery: Sabor Dominicano UK

Caribbean Grocery Outlet: Dees Imports Ltd

Caribbean Inspired Beverage – non Alcoholic: Ne.grill

Caribbean Inspired Beverage – Alcoholic: Auntie Sam’s Rum Tump

Caribbean Rum Cake: Essence of Cake

Caribbean Street-Food Trader: Happy Hill Kitchen

National Vegan/Vegetarian Eatery: The Guava Kitchen

Outstanding Chef: Dexter Thomas – Soul Chef Kitchen

Media Personality: Andi Oliver

Founders Choice/ Lifetime Achievement: Rustie Lee

To find out more visit the website www.ukcaribbeanfoodawards.co.uk