Cake Decor India: International Cake Artist of the Year 2024: Prachi Dhabal Deb & Confectionery Innovation Excellence Award for Royal Icing Art 2024 Food & Drink Awards 2024 VITA – Bio Lebensmittelhandel e.U: Best Organic MushroomCoffee Brand 2024 -DACH & Best Organic Medicinal Mushroom Extract Wholesaler 2024 - DACH Restaurant Group Mercer’s Kitchen.com Featuring:
Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Phone: +44 (0) 203 970 0010 Website: www.lux-review.com Welcome to the Food & Drink Awards 2024 No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. LUXlife proudly welcomes you to the eighth annual Food and Drink Awards! As one of our longest-standing programmes, this award has become a staple in the prestigious portfolio we have built over the years. Here at LUXlife we are constantly looking for new ways to showcase a different side to the industry through our awards, and with the Food and Drink sector now evolving at a rapid pace, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the companies whose innovation and ingenuity have secured a bright future for this diverse market. Even with the negative impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on consumer spending, the Food and Drink market is still expected to climb above seven trillion dollars in value by 2027, with a CAGR of almost six percent during this period. While there will continue to be challenges in the form of higher manufacturing costs, supply chain disruption, increased inflation rates, and more – growth is still being fuelled through multiple avenues including new product innovation, emerging sales channels, and changing customer habits. Increased demand for both organic and clean-label products, growing popularity of home delivery services, and the rise of e-commerce platforms are just some ways that modern consumer behaviour is influencing the Food and Drink industry of today.
4. Cake Decor India: International Cake Artist of the Year 2024: Prachi Dhabal Deb & Confectionery Innovation Excellence Award for Royal Icing Art 2024 6. VITA – Bio Lebensmittelhandel e.U: Best Organic Mushroom-Coffee Brand 2024 - DACH & Best Organic Medicinal Mushroom Extract Wholesaler 2024 - DACH 8. Mercer’s Kitchen: Restaurant & Catering Group of the Year 2024 – Arizona & Customer Service Excellence Award 2024 10. East of Scotland Growers: Farming Cooperative of the Year 2024 - Scotland 11. De La Tierra: Best Agrifood Sustainability Consultancy Firm 2024 – UK 12. Good Food Good Living: Most Authentic Catering Company 2024 – Colorado 13. Sweet and Savory by Karen LLC: Baked Treats Caterer of the Year 2024 – Northern Virginia 14. Geppetto ~ Osteria e Bisteccheria:: Authentic Italian Tavern & Steakhouse of the Year 2024 – Connecticut 15. Veggie Republic: Best Plant-Based Catering Company 2024 – UK 16. Shelly’s Tea Room: Authentic English Tea Rooms of the Year 2024 - USA 17. Crumpetman: Most Dedicated Specialist Food Website 2024 – UK 18. Sweeteria: Most Innovative Sugar-Free Sweets Company 2024 - Romania 19. MI Market Ltd: Romanian Grocery Store of the Year 2024 - North West England 20. Halva Ltd: Best Liquorice Manufacturer 2024 - Finland 21. Saffron Fields Vineyard: Best Winery Tasting Room Experience 2024 – Pacific Northwest USA 22. BareOrganics Superfood: Best Organic Health & Wellness Products Company 2024 - USA & Excellence Award in Sustainable Production 2024 - USA 23. Savannah Bio Systems Pty Ltd: Best Speciality Ingredient Importer & Distributor 2024 - Australasia & Food Distribution & Importation Business Leader of the Year 2024 - (Australasia): Scott Trethowen 24. The Two Professors: Most Innovative Coffee Brewing Experts 2024 - Queensland Contents
4 | LUXlife Magazine Many people know that royal icing can be a truly beautiful and outstanding way to decorate baked goods. However, traditionally made with eggs, we’ve found an expert who has not only won plenty of awards and recognition for her technique but also for her eggfree recipe. As eggs were originally used due to their hardening effect once the icing was set, it’s clear that innovation can always be applied to even the most traditional practices. Whether it’s for ethical, dietary, or intolerance reasons, egg-free royal icing has become something more commonly used so that everyone can enjoy the taste and beauty of cakes. Royal icing art is a timeless practice that has been taken to the next level by multi-award-winning artist Prachi Dhabal Deb. With a rich corporate background behind her, her life took a turn when she decided to follow her heart and reach for her dreams. Prachi baked her first cake when she was just 10 years old, when she had dreams of creating cakes that looked like castles and scenes from fairytales. Little did she know she would be transforming this childlike dream into her thriving adult career. In 2012, Prachi began her professional and creative baking journey. Inspired by her teacher Sir Eddie Spence MBE, a prestigious cake artist who had baked for the British royal family, Prachi started her career strong with powerful influence from one of the best in the industry. However, upon her return to India, Prachi took her creations to the next level by forming a vegan royal icing recipe that was soon to take the industry by storm. Her vegan royal icing recipe is just one of her unique selling points as she continues to leave people in awe of her incredible talent. Prachi’s dedication to creating the most intricate, vegan icing scenes has carried her far throughout her journey of over a decade thus far. She now holds a plethora of award titles from around the world, and has been recorded in the World Book of Records three times to this day for her showstopping creations. Her work is pristine, crisp, and awe-inspiring to all who are able to witness it. Specialising in royal icing art, Prachi is a high revered talent in this realm, around the world. Furthermore, her vegan recipe offers the innovation International Cake Artist of the Year 2024: Prachi Dhabal Deb & Confectionery Innovation Excellence Award for Royal Icing Art 2024 Coming from a corporate background in financial analytics to following her dreams, Prachi Dhabal Deb is an inspirational, international, award-winning cake artist from Pune, India. She hold three World Records, is a Head Judge for Cakeology Cake Event in India, and has also recently been bestowed with two titles from us at LUXlife in our Food and Drink Awards 2024. F Sep24387
Food & Drink 2024 | 5 'Prachi took her creations to the next level by forming a vegan royal icing recipe that was soon to take the industry by storm. Her vegan royal icing recipe is just one of her unique selling points as she continues to leave people in awe of her incredible talent.' that the industry was craving for so long. By bringing her recipe to life in the form of timeless cakes, Prachi has earned global recognition, respect, and awards that truly reflect her impact on the cake artistry industry. Prachi has been featured within various national, international magazines, newspapers and on television. Her path demonstrates the transformational power of art and the profound influence of thoughtful choices in culinary arts, making her a true visionary in the field of cake art. She has also worked hard to create vegan royal icing and make it available worldwide via the online market as a commercial product. Prachi’s most recent World Book of Records win occurred in 2023 after she had created a showstopping cake with a length of 10’1” length, 4’7” height, and 3’8” width – weighing a total of 200kg. Her creations have appeared in many worldwide journals and platforms, and her artistic abilities have elevated the cake decoration industry to a whole new level. She is a national role model for aspiring artists and businesspeople because of her work, which has been characterized as inventive, complex, and breathtaking. As the only royal icing artist in the industry with three world records alongside her awards aplenty, Prachi continues to elevate the culinary arts with her innovative approach. She was awarded at the Oxford University for her notable contribution in the field of Royal Icing Art July 2024, felicitated at the UK Parliament as the Most Prominent Royal Icing Cake Artist of the year 2024, and featured in Femina magazine (India) for their annual Fab 40 list of inspiring women from all across India in Nov 2023. She also won an award for Biggest Vegan Royal Icing Structure in February 2022, Most Number of Vegan Royal Icing Structures in January 2022, and, most recently, two titles in LUXlife’s Food and Drinks Awards 2024. Bestowed with the titles of International Cake Artist of the Year 2024: Prachi Dhabal Deb and Confectionery Innovation Excellence Award for Royal Icing Art 2024, this globally celebrated artist is set for another fruitful year in 2025. We look forward to seeing where her talent takes her next. Contact: Prachi Dhabal Deb Company: Cake Decor India Instagram: prachidhabaldeb Facebook: cakedecorindia
Jun22596 6 | LUXlife Magazine Ganoderma lucidum, or reishi mushroom, has been highly revered for centuries throughout many communities and cultures. Founder and organic PREMIUM REISHI-coffee-pioneer Gerold Helmut Jernej of VITA in Austria has been inspired by traditional Chinese medicine in particular, which promotes the power of nature and the outstanding properties of natural ingredients such as reishi mushrooms. Gerold shares, “For over 25 years I have been involved with Asian philosophy of life, with Tibetan Buddhism (Karma Kagyu) and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). TCM in particular offers so many possibilities to help humanity and I trust in the thousands of years of knowledge about harmony and well-being.” Translated as “mushroom of immortality” or “mushroom of spiritual potency”, this specific fungus has been represented throughout Taoist art since the 1400s and appeared in the Chinese Pharmacopeia during the Ming Dynasty. Supporting the immune system, housing antioxidant properties, stimulating better cellular health, reducing chronic inflammation, and so much more, reishi mushroom is an incredibly rich and versatile ingredient to live a healthier life. In 2018, Gerold became a wholesaler of an innovative Austrian mushroom production company, completely convinced of the top quality and effectiveness of medicinal mushrooms. These valuable organic mushroom products are produced in Austria under the best conditions and have the highest standard in the industry. The product range includes food supplements of the best organic quality, which are produced in pure culture and are available in the form of powder capsules, alcohol-free dual liquid extracts and a range of organic skin creams with medicinal mushrooms. Particularly noteworthy is the uniqueness of the liquid extracts, which are available to the consumer without alcohol, but with the full spectrum of a dual extraction. The liquid extracts are alcohol-free and are therefore unique on the market. They can easily be taken by children or adults, especially if they are unable to swallow or take capsules. Even animals can benefit from the effect of the medicinal mushrooms and also achieve a sense of well-being. Oct24188 Best Organic Mushroom-Coffee Brand 2024 -DACH & Best Organic Medicinal Mushroom Extract Wholesaler 2024 - DACH “Helping People to Enjoy Food Responsibly” VITA – Bio Lebensmittelhandel e.U (VITA) is a seasoned, leading supplier of innovative, healthy, and organic products. With a goal to motivate and help people to lead a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, VITA’s Founder and organic mushroom coffee pioneer Gerold Helmut Jernej has dedicated the past ten years to the development of life-altering products. Here we profile the business as it reaches its decade milestone and is bestowed with two prestigious titles in our Food and Drink Awards 2024. The dual liquid extracts are also easy to take and are ideal for young and old. At the moment there are 10 different variants including Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Almond mushroom, Caterpillar mushroom, Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail mushroom, Chaga, Tinder fungus, Coprinus comatus. VITA concentrates on sustainability, fairness, and quality through its offerings of organic medicinal mushroom-powder, made in Austria for its PREMIUM Mushroom-Coffee, to improve people’s health in Europe. Harnessing the power of reishi with its PREMIUM REISHI coffee, VITA produces its VITA1001 – Bio Vitalkaffee (Organic Vitality Coffee) with sustainability and good health in mind. VITA1001 is a healthier alternative to the regular, everyday coffee that many consume as it offers many health benefits while tasting delicious to coffee enthusiasts. “VITA1001 – Bio Vitalkaffee is particularly suitable for the target group of people with coffee intolerances such as heartburn, reflux, gastritis, chronic gastritis, and more, especially important for alkaline and intermittent fasting, before and after sport, ideal for vegetarians and vegans and especially for the health-conscious, coffee allergy sufferers, fatigue sufferers, and those interested in losing weight.” Gerold says, “Many consumers can no longer tolerate conventional coffee due to its high acid content (industrial roasting) and are not exactly happy with caffeine-free or substitute coffee products. With VITA1001 – Bio Vitalkaffee, these customers have found the right product for them and are very happy about it.” As VITA1001 – Bio Vitalkaffee is suitable for Photo credit: Edith Laurent
Food & Drink 2024 | 7 anyone who enjoys coffee, being alkaline and low-acid, this innovative coffee product has been making a huge impact on the health of many across Austria and beyond. As it is easy on the stomach, health benefits can be delivered without discomfort and negative side effects. Continually supporting the growth of its industry, VITA provides a healthy, sustainable, and tasty option for coffee lovers. Gerold enthuses, “VITA1001 – Bio Vitalkaffee opens a new chapter in Austrian coffee culture. This special coffee product combines 100% finest organic highland Arabica from West Honduras with two organic vitality mushrooms – reishi and almond mushroom from Austria – and is not only flavourful, but also good for the body. Gently flavour-roasted in a certified organic coffee roastery, a 4th generation family business in Upper Austria.” “This unique combination represents an innovation in the coffee market and offers added value for health-conscious consumers, and has done so for 10 years” Available in two varieties, 250g ground and a 100% compostable wood fibre espresso capsule which is compatible with Nespresso machines, VITA1001 – Bio Vitalkaffee is entirely accessible with regards to the way individuals like to prepare their delicious drink of choice. Packaged in a plant-colour print ÖKO box, this PREMIUM mushroom coffee product is designed to be attractive to the eye while inviting us to delve deeper into the tasty coffee inside. responsibility speaks volumes about VITA as a whole, especially as it has been supporting social coffee farming since its inception in 2014. Having recently celebrated his tenth year in business with VITA, Gerold took the time to reflect on the achievements of the company’s time in operation via VITA’s website. His celebratory anniversary news post details the highlights of the past decade. From the launch of the company’s PREMIUM REISHI coffee to the unveiling of the VITA1001 – Bio Vitalkaffee’s espresso capsule variant in September 2022, Gerold comments on VITA’s devotion social responsibility, sustainability, vitality benefits, and more. He personally thanks all of his supporters and customers over the years and makes a toast to the next decade to come. Just recently, in September this year, VITA was nominated in Austria for the Organic Product of the Year 2025 award for its latest product, the VITA1001DC-EK-10 - VITA1001 – Bio Vitalkaffee (decaffeinated using the SwissWater® process) in a 100% compostable wood fibre espresso capsule. Winning Best Medicinal Mushroom & Healthy Coffee Trading Company 2023 – DACH in our Food and Drink Awards 2023 VITA has now won esteemed titles from us at LUXlife for two consecutive years. However, this year, the pioneering company has been awarded two titles – Best Organic Mushroom-Coffee Brand 2024 – DACH & Best Organic Medicinal Mushroom Extract Wholesaler 2024 – DACH. We’re proud to recognise and award VITA – Bio Lebensmittelhandel e.U with its titles in this year’s Food and Drink Awards as it has shown incredible resilience, commitment and dedication to supporting health, the environment, and coffee farmers. We look forward to seeing what it does next – especially as a new generation of innovative medicinal mushroom products are being produced using a new and groundbreaking manufacturing process. Contact: Gerold Helmut Jernej Company: VITA – Bio Lebensmittelhandel e.U Web Address: https://www.bio-vita.at/de/ Additionally, this aroma protection, eco-friendly packaging was carefully crafted to support the planet. The packaging itself helps us to minimise our environmental footprint while simultaneously aiding VITA to minimise its own environmental footprint, and even ensures the quality and freshness of each pack of coffee. Atop this, no trees were felled specifically for the production of the wood fibre espresso capsules, but the wood used comes from the overcut of the luxury office furniture industry. With a deep connection to sustainability, VITA ensures that it stays true to its social commitment. Gerold shares, “By purchasing a pack of VITA1001 – Bio Vitalkaffee, our customers support a social coffee farming project in western Honduras.” This dedication to sustainability and social Photo credit: VITA - Bio Lebensmittelhandel e.U. Photo credit: Edith Laurent
Jun22596 8 | LUXlife Magazine Oct24078 Restaurant & Catering Group of the Year 2024 – Arizona & Customer Service Excellence Award 2024 Situated in the heart of Sedona, Mercer’s Kitchen encompasses four award-winning restaurants that offer fantastic food, stunning scenery, and unparalleled dining experiences. Helmed, owned, and operated by renowned chef Mercer Mohr, the restaurant group has been recently recognised for its excellence in the Food and Drink Awards 2024. Below, we speak with Mercer to learn more about the group’s outstanding operations. Mercer Mohr started Mercer’s Kitchen in 2015, following an illustrious career opening restaurants across the United States for a number of respected establishments. Having graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York, Mercer has combined his exceptional education with the expertise gained throughout his career to successfully steer Mercer’s Kitchen to monumental success. Mercer’s Kitchen consists of four dining concepts and catering venues in Sedona, all featuring the highest quality of food and the most beautiful views of Arizona’s unique red rock landscape. Each restaurant offers its own culinary experience to guests that demonstrate just why Mercer’s Kitchen is regarded as a key player across the industry. René at Tlaquepaque is a restaurant synonymous with the finest French cuisine in Sedona, blending the culinary traditions of France with the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. Steeped in history, this restaurant was initially founded in 1978 and has been a crucial component of the community ever since. Now under Mercer’s Kitchen, the restaurant is steered by its philosophy of celebrating and honouring America’s diverse culinary heritage, using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients. Rascal Modern Diner offers its guests a whimsical, modern take on the classic American diner. Serving American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Rascal Modern Diner presents an expert combination of classic diner-style meals presented with the flair and flavours Chef Mohr has developed during his time in fine dining. With live music on
Food & Drink 2024 | 9 the weekends and drinks on deals throughout the week, Rascal Modern Diner offers a fun and unique space to enjoy both the old and the new. Creekside American Bistro provides guests with a serene and spiritually charged dining experience, surrounded by the positive energy of the vortexes said to inhabit the area. Overlooking Oak Creek, the bistro offers a seasonally changing, locally sourced menu that celebrates comfort and flavour, capturing the essence of Sedona’s vibrant spirit. Between its succulent meats and freshly picked vegetables, Creekside American Bistro promises an unparalleled meal that is as wholesome as it is flavoursome. Mesa Grill is a Southwestern Grill that offers all-American meals overlooking the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout. Pairing comfort with innovation, the grill serves a delicious range of burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and seafood. But Mesa Grill’s allure extends beyond its expansive menu; its advantageous positioning offers guests the unique opportunity to watch planes gliding through the sky as they enjoy their meal. Maintaining its collection of such esteemed establishments means that Mercer’s Kitchen must remain up to date with industry changes and remain on the very forefront of innovation at all times. In such a rapidly evolving industry, chefs must remain ahead of their peers, continually innovating and improving both their skillsets and flavour profiles to offer their guests the very best. Mercer understands this need and strives to develop his knowledge and skills at every opportunity. “In addition to reading all I can, and collecting as much as I can from periodicals, my wife at I eat out with friends at the most relevant restaurants and resorts in the United States and around the world,” he tells us. “The majority of my inspirations come from yearly trips to Chicago, New York, New Orleans, and San Fransisco. When creating our seasonal menus, I always have pictures and the most unique menu items to look back on from the past year. My catering company strives to exceed expectations.” Whilst Mercer finds his inspiration in his experiences across the country, he also plays close attention to emerging trends and philosophies that may impact the industry as they take root in the public’s behaviour. He tells us that consumers are increasingly seeking brands that celebrate their individuality and imperfection, allowing them to express themselves through a vital component of their daily lives: food. Instead of adhering to strict diets and conventional standards, consumers want products that empower them to enjoy food in a more liberated and personalised way. This creates a more inclusive and flexible approach to dining, enabling consumers to indulge and enjoy their experience without feeling guilty or constrained. This is perfectly reflected in the niche and unique experiential concepts delivered by Mercer’s Kitchen. Whilst there are many pain points to be addressed across the industry, Mercer tells us that the biggest hurdle Mercer’s Kitchen faces is navigating the economy. “Here in Sedona, Arizona, the most critical obstacle in the food and beverage industry is the limited labour pool and affordable housing,” he says. “The ‘short term rental industry’ has all but eliminated affordable housing in Sedona. In an effort to adapt to the lack in accommodation, we are forced to rent or purchase housing for our employees. This practice is becoming the norm and is putting many smaller operations out of business.” In order to retain a talented workforce, employers are not only providing housing but also wages that are far above the national average. This has created a ripple effect that is passed down to consumers in the form of higher menu prices and various miscellaneous service fees added to their bill. As a result, top-tier companies such as Mercer’s Kitchen are working even harder to ensure that the quality of its services and meals are reflective of the rising prices. This high standard of quality must also be reflected in the team, comprised of hardworking and passionate individuals dedicated to delivering the very best dining experience possible. Mercer cites training as the key to his success, doing everything in his power to provide his associates with the necessary tools to set them up for success. This approach is taken from the very beginning, as he believes that new hires are much more confident when they have developed a solid understanding of their position within the company. When hiring new team members, Mercer tells us that Mercer’s Kitchen first looks for impeccable hygiene and a big smile, as a first impression goes an incredibly long way in the hospitality industry. From there, the company considers their experience and ability to hold a conversation, skills that will determine what positions are available for the candidate. This is done with the understanding that successful communication between associates is just as imperative as with the guests. “Mercer’s Kitchen strives to create a family culture,” says Mercer. “We spend the majority of our time together, and things go much better if we all get along. We promote cross-training for those that like to work in different positions when the opportunity arises. We take care of each other; we cover for each other and discourage negativity in the workplace. This is truly a team effort and ‘you are only as strong as your weakest link’. If my employees love the job, the guests feel that energy and respond in a positive way.” By maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, client-centricity, and quality, Mercer’s Kitchen has established a stellar reputation across Sedona, evident in its many five-star reviews. Each of the company’s concepts are innovative, unique, and well-equipped to provide guests with the very best service, earning Mercer’s Kitchen the title of Restaurant and Catering Group of the Year 2024 – Arizona, as well as the Customer Service Excellence Award 2024. “I love this restaurant!” writes a guest of Rascal Modern Diner. “High end food in a casual setting. I had multiple breakfasts and dinners, and all were delicious. The Broken Yolk Sandwich might be the best breakfast I have ever had! Dinner was equally amazing – everything from the Ahi Tuna Nachos to the Barbacoa entrée. The servers and bar staff were so welcoming and friendly.” “Each dish was better than the last,” says a guest of René at Tlaquepaque. “Amazing combinations of flavours and textures, a great wine list, and precise service. René is located in the Tlaquepaque and should not be missed if visiting or living in Sedona. I highly recommend.” “What an awesome spot to have dinner!” says a guest of Mesa Grill. “The drive up is breathtaking, and sunset not to be missed. The food and service went beyond what I expected, and I would definitely go there again.” “Easy walking distance from our hotel,” reports a guest of Creekside American Bistro. “A fabulous menu for both breakfast and lunch with great selections, including gluten-free options. I sat on the balcony watching Sedona’s nature and red rocks in the gorgeous spring weather.” Contact: Mercer Mohr Web Address: https://mercerskitchen.com/ Restaurant Group Mercer’s Kitchen.com
10 | LUXlife Magazine Farming Cooperative of the Year 2024 - Scotland East of Scotland Growers (ESG) was founded in 1987 as a cooperative to help independent arable farmers get the best value for their vegetables. Located in Cupar, Fife, ESG’s wide range of vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, leeks, sprouts, carrots, asparagus and organic brassicas, all of which are grown within a 180-mile radius of Scotland. ESG’s purpose is to maximise the return to our members, by connecting and aligning them with one another and with the marketplace. For 37 years, collaboration has remained the root of everything ESG does. Their growing teamwork gives ESG unmatched scale and diversity, enabling innovation and improved efficiency like no other. By working together, ESG helps its growers cultivate their farming businesses, achieve new milestones, adapt more easily to economic, environmental and political challenges, and opens doors to markets that were previously beyond their reach. ESG makes this possible by providing specialised services to the growers, allowing growers to focus on what they do best — growing and harvesting their crops — while also benefiting from ESG’s expertise in every aspect of vegetable production and sales. From agronomy and technical support to logistics and marketing advice, ESG is there to lend a helping hand. By maintaining this structure, ESG ensures quality is built into every step of the process, with all growers proudly accredited by Assured Produce, LEAF, and Nurture. Exploring the services offered by ESG in more detail, this farming cooperative carries out everything from planning and programming, and agronomy through to customer communications, sales, and quality control. Moreover, from its central office, this farming cooperative also executes research and development [both in existing crops and new], administration, and finance, positioning it as a collective capable of instilling benefits both on a member level and for the whole of its group. Hence, even after almost 40 years, ESG’s focus is still to provide a grower with maximum returns. ESG meticulously combines such elements as location, technology, and testing to ensure that members can produce the highest-quality Brassica crops. For example, because every single one of its growing and packing facilities is located amongst Scotland’s famed fertile and arable soils, its production is more focused and offers uniform quality. This also ensures all crops can be irrigated during dry spells, preserving their freshness even through the summer. Once they are grown and picked, the crops are then stored in state-of-the-art cold stores, which have been invested in heavily by ESG members over the years because of the unique insights they have been provided. As a result, its members today share more than 1,000,000 cubic feet of cold storage between them, and the aim across the collective is to have produce stored safely in these areas within two hours of harvest, again underpinning this commitment to unrivalled freshness that has permeated across ESG for several decades. Finally, ESG’s utilisation of cutting-edge weather station technology allows for the accurate monitoring and prediction of weather conditions, which helps immeasurably when it comes to scheduling and refining production. A key advantage to this technology is being able to assist when it comes to timing cultivations; managing irrigation, pest, and disease control; and harvesting at the right time. Leaps like this are made possible by the more than 350 trial plots ESG’s members work on every year, spanning everything from varieties to new crops and looking at ways of aiding cultivation through to harvest. ESG’s small, experienced team—many with over a decade at the company—continues to explore new opportunities for members, focusing on their unique strengths and commitment to growing together for a better future. East of Scotland Growers exemplifies the power of true farming cooperation and is a leader in its field. Contact: Lisa Eagles, General Manager Company: East of Scotland Growers Web Address: http://esgveg.co.uk/ Nov24147
Food & Drink 2024 | 11 Sustainability is a vital factor to consider when operating in this industry, as modern agriculture has been a significant driver of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. De La Tierra is working relentlessly to promote the shift towards sustainable practices across the industry by helping firms design and implement sustainable strategies, comprehensive ESH reporting, and continual innovation. This shift cannot be performed overnight, however; Athanasios tells us that moving from an extractive, linear model to a circular or regenerative model requires open, honest conversations with each member of the supply chain, from its producers to consumers. For instance, producers can not be penalised for environmental costs whilst consumers are rewarding cheap production practices that ignore environmental and health impact. This shift requires changing the perceptions of every component and ensuring that the inequitable distribution of wealth within the food system is appropriately confronted. “Reconnecting with nature is essential, and it is heartening to see food movements growing in the UK and worldwide,” says Athanasios. “Concepts like agroecology and food sovereignty resonate strongly as they champion holistic, community-focused approaches. Ultimately, we need a new era of storytelling – one that honours the diverse knowledge and lived experiences of farming communities. Often, the solutions to our current challenges lie in the wisdom of ancient practices, ready to be rediscovered and adapted for a more sustainable future.” We learn that, moving forward, Athanasios plans to continue promoting sustainability across the industry by combining the expertise of De La Tierra with his start-up, Cubos Solutions. Recognising the growing complexity and demand of mandatory and voluntary reporting standards and frameworks within the sustainability space, Athanasios spotted an opportunity to bring clarity and value to this field. After researching and exploring his ideas with prospective clients, he launched Cubos Solutions to aid companies in effectively navigating sustainability reporting. Cubos Solutions specialises in baseline and double materiality assessments through a streamlined five-step process, covering from client onboarding to comprehensive reporting. This area is highly competitive, but Cubos Solutions offers uniquely whitelabel solutions for consultancy firms, enabling smaller consultancies to offer these services to SMEs, for whom large consulting firms are often too generic or cost-prohibitive. The start-up’s effective tools are built upon authoritative frameworks and industry expertise, ensuring that clients have all the support they need to start a prosperous sustainability journey. “Though Cubos Solutions is still new, we’ve achieved strong initial traction and revenue with well-known brands, leveraging the reputation and network built through De La Tierra,” Athanasios concludes. “Our early success underscores the demand for accessible, impactful sustainability solutions, and we are excited to expand our reach as a trusted partner in the industry.” Contact: Athanasios Mandis Web Address: https://www.de-la-tierra.com/ Located in Canterbury, Kent, De La Tierra is a consultancy firm founded upon two decades of experience in international agriculture. A key market player, De La Tierra aims to provide its clientele with effective solutions that facilitate sustainability across the agrifood sector. Following the firm’s recognition in the Food and Drink Awards 2024, we speak with Founder and Director, Athanasios Mandis, to find out more. Best Agrifood Sustainability Consultancy Firm 2024 – UK e La Tierra was initially established in 2012 with the aim of trading fresh produce and ingredients. More than a decade later, the company has evolved to operate within three distinct pillars: trade, postharvest solutions to reduce food waste, and consultancy, with its consultancy arm flourishing particularly over the last five years. Whilst its earlier consultancy projects had been focused on supply chain optimisation and standards implementation to secure market access, the vast majority of De La Tierra’s current consultancy work lies in the field of sustainability. The company supports a diverse range of clients, both in the UK and internationally, including a number of well-known brands, established firms, and certification scheme owners. The company is helmed by Athanasios Mandis, who strives to empower farming communities around the world. His background, consisting of undergraduate studies in agricultural engineering and postgraduate studies in sustainable development, has enabled Athanasios to establish a strong foundation upon which to base his evolving career. “I have cultivated a diverse product and service mix, which gives my business resilience against systemic shocks,” Athanasios reflects. “However, it is the collaborative relationships I have built with clients and partners that remain my ultimate source of strength and innovation. There are valuable lessons within these relationships that, if one pays attention, offer insights to stay ahead of the curve.” Athanasios drives De La Tierra to success through this innovative approach, leveraging his relationships to develop ideas into initiatives. Such examples include supporting farming communities in their transition to regenerative agriculture and driving sustainable impact through baseline and double materiality assessments for sustainability reporting. D Nov24047
12 | LUXlife Magazine Patric. “All the while, being health conscious without sacrificing the bold taste and flavours that Latin America is known for. Whether catering to 100 guests or something more intimate and family-style, Good Food Good Living has always delivered.” “Good Food Good Living is our corporate event lifesaver,” writes Sera. “As an event manager, I seek reliable catering and Good Food Good Living exceeds expectations. Their attention to detail, creative menus, and quality food makes every event a hit. They’re not just caterers; they’re event partners who ensure smooth success. Good Food Good Living has become an integral part of our success!” By combining cultural recipes, fresh ingredients, and a bespoke menu curation service, the catering company has successfully established itself as a trusted partner for all event planning needs. This dedication to easing the burden of event planning for its clientele whilst upholding and honouring Ria’s heritage has earned Good Food Good Living the title of Most Authentic Catering Company 2024 – Colorado. We at LUXlife would like to congratulate Good Food Good Living on this monumental achievement, and eagerly anticipate another year of successful operations for the company. “Good Food Good Living has celebrated some exciting milestones over the last 12 months,” Ria reflects. “We’ve seen remarkable growth, largely thanks to referrals from our wonderful clients. Their satisfaction and word-of-mouth recommendations have brought many new patrons to our door. Additionally, we’ve expanded our menu to include even more diverse and delicious options, and our team has grown to accommodate our increasing demand. It’s been an incredible year of progress, and we’re thrilled to continue this journey with our amazing clients.” Contact: Ria Revera Web Address: https://goodfoodgoodliving.com/ ia Rivera’s culinary journey began long before she was tall enough to reach the stove, driven by the passion and skill she had inherited from her grandparents. Inspired by generations of cherished customs, cooking with fresh ingredients and honouring her heritage, Ria soon began to see food as her medium for self-expression, a way to share and celebrate her culture. Good Food Good Living was founded as an avenue for Ria to share her passion with the world, by serving food that is as healthy as it is flavoursome. The company offers a diverse selection of starters, entrees, desserts, and snacks, each carefully crafted to meet the varying tastes of its clientele. No matter the size of the event, Good Food Good Living strives to deliver the utmost efficiency, professionalism, and style. The company prides itself on offering an innovative, authentic approach to various cuisines from around the world, inclusive to all dietary preferences. With the understanding that each event is entirely unique, Good Food Good Living enables its clientele to craft their own special, bespoke menu from its offerings. This freedom makes for truly remarkable events that reflect the client’s vision exactly, allowing them to relax and enjoy the memorable experience with their guests. Whilst Good Food Good Living offers an expansive range of cuisines, we learn that the company’s pride and joy is its authentic Mexican cuisine. A talented chef with vast culinary experience, Ria tells us that Good Food Good Living uses time-honoured recipes and the freshest ingredients to craft dishes that are both authentic and inventive. From savoury tacos and enchiladas to zesty salsas and refreshing aguas frescas, each bite is a colourful celebration of Mexican culture. “We bring the vibrant flavours and rich traditions of Mexico to your table, creating an unforgettable culinary experience,” she says. “I use the freshest ingredients and time-honoured recipes to craft dishes that are both authentic and innovative. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large celebration, our authentic Mexican cuisine will add a touch of spice and festivity to your event, making it truly memorable.” For its outstanding culinary creations, guaranteed to make any event a memorable success, Good Food Good Living has established a remarkable reputation across the industry. The company’s exceptional endeavours have enabled it to amass numerous five-star reviews, praising its determination, talent, and authenticity. “Ria, on her entrepreneurial journey with Good Food Good Living, has always ‘whipped up’ Latin deliciousness that speaks to the soul,” says Most Authentic Catering Company 2024 – Colorado Event planning can be a demanding and stressful process; between managing the venue, guest list, menus, and entertainment, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Good Food Good Living, a leading Colorado-based catering company, understands this problem more than most, and is dedicated to alleviating the burden of organising events for its diverse clientele. Following the company’s recent recognition in the Food and Drink Awards 2024, we speak with Ria Rivera, Founder and Chef. R Nov24034
Food & Drink 2024 | 13 Baked Treats Caterer of the Year 2024 – Northern Virginia Serving the greater Leesburg area, Northern Virginia, Sweet and Savory by Karen is a local, woman-owned catering business that specialises in delivering delicious homemade treats, including baked goods and desserts. Renowned for its dedication and remarkable skill, Sweet and Savory by Karen has been recently awarded in the Food and Drink Awards 2024. Join us below as we speak with Karen Ranger, Founder and Owner, to learn more about her journey to success. Karen Ranger has enjoyed exploring her culinary creativity since she was a little girl, having discovered her skillset whilst spending summers with her Nam, or grandmother, Irene. Karen soon noticed how happy people were upon receiving food from her Nam and wanted to share this happiness herself. Soon enough, her grandmother began to let her bake and cook things for herself, watching, guiding, and sometimes helping her as she honed her craft. Flashforward and Karen now owns and operates Sweet and Savory by Karen, an outlet for her to share her creativity and passion with the world. Sweet and Savory by Karen was founded in 2014 as a one-person business, though Karen does depend on the help of her husband and sons for delivery and tastetesting services. Operating out of her home, Karen creates her tasty treats in a separate kitchen built specifically for her small business. Without a storefront for regular customers to visit, all goodies are baked to order to ensure freshness and quality, with most sales centred around private sales and specialty events. Sweet and Savory by Karen offers more than 60 unique food items, with the delectable stock ranging from appetizers and sides to baked goodies and sweets. Her more traditional offerings include custom mini quiches, potato pogache, gingerbread cookies, and pumpkin pie, all comforting baked staples that we know and love. What truly allows Sweet and Savory by Karen to stand out in this competitive market, however, is Karen’s equally delicious but less conventional creations that blend tradition with modernity to deliver familiar favourites with unique twists. Examples of such creativity can be found throughout her expansive menu, though the shining standouts include lemon and herb risotto cakes, s’mores muffins, zucchini crumb muffins, a series of chocolate mousse goods, Hawaiian wedding cupcakes, lemon brownies, salted peanut clusters, sweet potato cupcakes, and chocolate bacon brittle. These delicacies, although uncommon, demonstrate Karen’s deep understanding of flavour profiles and sheer culinary creativity. With years of experience in the kitchen, Karen has certainly developed a successful process that enables her to navigate recipes with ease. As a solo baker, she prefers to work alone in the kitchen, which further enables her to follow her proven routine. First, she will map out a todo list, following the order as if it were a recipe and only stopping her methodology to prepare herself for the next step. “It’s all a learning process for me, and I’ve learned when I’m about to take on too much, and I’ll be honest with my client about it,” she tells us. “A motto in my house that I apply to my business is ‘mean what you say and say what you mean, or don’t say anything at all’. To anyone that knows me and my work ethic, this means that if I say I’m going to do something, you know it’s going to get done.” Driving a thriving business alongside her daily life has not come without its challenges, but maintaining a stringent routine has been the key to Karen’s success. Working full-time outside of home, Karen must keep to an efficient schedule in order to complete her baking once she returns home. Last minute orders can be difficult to fulfil as a result, but Sweet and Savory by Karen’s clients are provided with an agreeable timeline that ensures everything baked is delivered within a day to ensure optimal flavour and freshness. This methodology has proven incredibly successful for Karen, as Sweet and Savory by Karen is named in the Food and Drink Awards 2024. Receiving the title of Baked Treats Caterer of the Year 2024 – Northern Virginia, Sep24397 the business has demonstrated its dedication to delivering only the very best, as well as its possession of a unique flavour profile unparalleled by its peers. Looking ahead, Karen tells us that she has exciting plans in the works. “I’m pretty content with where I stand today,” she says. “For the remainder of 2024, I have begun to work on a cookbook, which will not only include all the recipes from my menu on my website but also family favourites and secrets handed down to me by my grandmother.” Contact: Karen Ranger Company: Sweet and Savory by Karen LLC Web Address: http://www.sweetandsavorybykaren.com/
14 | LUXlife Magazine Authentic Italian Tavern & Steakhouse of the Year 2024 – Connecticut An osteria is an Italian restaurant which presents its guests with an authentic Italian dining experience. From delicious Italian wine and beer to fulling and nourishing food, Geppetto ~ Osteria e Bisteccheria (Geppetto) provides an experience you won’t forget. We ponder Geppetto’s offerings as it wins its title in our Food and Drink Awards 2024. “When you join us, we hope it feels like family, because for us, it is.” Michelle and Carlo Pulixi have worked together in restaurants since the 1990s, merging years of experiences and cultural backgrounds every step of the way. Carlo is from the glittering island of Sardinia but spent many years in Rome, and Michelle is an artist from sunny California. They opened Convivium Osteria, in Brooklyn NY in 2000, where the duo created an old world atmosphere that was treasured by the neighbourhood for over 20 years. Over those two decades, the couple had children and decided to raise them in the rolling hills nestled in the countryside of New Hartford, Connecticut. Carlo and Michelle then set their sights on a new project in the neighbouring town of Torrington, where they could reignite their spark for providing the most authentic Italian Osteria experience in the heart of Torrington. From the kitchen (la Cucina) to the wine (il Vino), the bar (il Bar), and the oven (il Forno), Geppetto prides itself of providing an authentic atmosphere, elevated ingredients, and a home made menu which will leave its guests feeling fulfilled, satisfied, and enchanted. “Our family has been passionate about the Italian Gastronomy and Tradition for generations. Geppetto, is the culmination of that passion. From our pastas, our steaks, chops and cured meats, our kitchen strives every day to balance the traditions of Italian cooking, with fresh ideas, always rooted in what makes "La Cucina Italiana" in our mind the finest in the world.” From delicate and thoughtful mains to desserts made fresh in house every day, Geppetto is home to a fine selection of dishes that offer an abundance of stunning flavours. The menu is subject to change through the seasons to offer variation throughout the year, but Geppetto is always ready to create showstopping pasta dishes, pizza, antipasti, salads, and high-quality grilled dishes. Ensuring that each part of your meal is cooked to perfection and complimented by the perfect beverage, Geppetto guarantees an authentic Italian dining experience. Accompanied by the cosy environment, you are sure to feel at home in the traditional setting of this award-winning osteria ad bisteccheria. Angel D. shared: “Legitimate old school Italian restaurant. The kind, where even as an out of town visitor, the owners make you feel like you're a guest at their home. The handmade pasta was well executed. But the highlight was the quail and sausage appetizer. Bonus point for real foam on their cappuccinos. A gem for Torrington.” Michael L. commented: “A sincere authentic Italian experience. The more often I try a local here or their "Italian style" establishment I am let down with price and underwhelming menu options and taste with lacklustre ambiance. Knowledgeable staff and wonderful wine selection. Every single meal has been outstanding. Geppetto is an undeniable unique experience, a well needed addition in this area. Keep up the great work.” We’re delighted to bestow Geppetto with its title of Authentic Italian Tavern & Steakhouse of the Year 2024 – Connecticut and we look forward to seeing what Michelle and Carlo do next for their guests. Contact: Michelle Pulixi Company: Geppetto ~ Osteria e Bisteccheria Website: https://geppettoct.com/ Facebook: GeppettoCt Nov24205
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