Not sure which category to nominate your favourite producer for? We run through the categories that will be judged in this year’s Eat Out Zonnebloem Produce Awards. Place your nominations here.

Best new product

An innovative product developed since January 2013. The winner is South African grown or made using primarily South African produce. Care and consideration for the environment are essential criteria.

Best free-range or organic producer

The product must be certified organic or free-range and necessary paperwork must be provided. The produce must be South African grown.

Food heritage award

The winner is an individual, group or community in the food or agriculture industry that celebrates the preservation of threatened produce, farming practices and/or gastronomic 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.

Outstanding outlet award

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.

Outstanding market award

This award is in recognition of the vital role that markets play in connecting producers with the public. An outstanding market should uplift and support the small South African producer. Factors that will be considered include the general organisation of the market and the variety of stands and merchandise.

Best small producer awards

– Best small producer: bread or baked goods

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

– Best small producer: confectionery

The winner of this category is consistently high quality confectionery (such as nougat, toffee etc.) that has maintained its level of excellence for more than two years. It must be made using primarily South African produce. Due care and consideration for both the environment and workforce are essential criteria.

– Best small producer: dairy (cheese)

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

– Best small producer: dairy (other)

The winner of this category is a consistently high quality non-cheese dairy product (such as yoghurt or cream) that has maintained its level of excellence for more than two years. It must be made using primarily South African produce. Due care and consideration for both the environment and workforce are essential criteria.

– Best small producer: earth

The winner of this category is a consistently high quality farmed product (such as fresh fruit, vegetables, herb or edible flowers) that has maintained its level of excellence for more than two years. It must be South African grown. Due care and consideration for both the environment and workforce are essential criteria.

– Best small producer: grocery / condiment

The winner of this category is a consistently high quality grocery product (such as a sauce, jam, pickle, pesto, spice etc.) that has maintained its level of excellence for more than two years. It must be developed using primarily South African produce. Due care and consideration for both the environment and workforce are essential criteria.

– Best small producer: paddock (fresh)

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

– Best small producer: paddock (cured)

The winner of this category is a consistently high quality cured meat 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.

– Best small producer: seafood

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

Best local food blog

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