Heinz and Arena launch award to discover Food Heroes

Heinz Food Heroes, a collaboration between Heinz and hospitality networking association Arena, is a new awards programme to recognise ‘foodies' who have made a positive impact on their community.

Open to the entire food industry, the awards will celebrate individuals and companies who have really gone the extra mile to make an exceptional difference to their community.

Jojo de Noronha, northern Europe president for Kraft Heinz, explained: "Here at Heinz, we have long been in awe of the outstanding work of people across the food industry – and it's something our founder Henry J Heinz recognised from the very beginning. Making a positive contribution to the world through food is something that still drives the Heinz business today.

"The Heinz Food Heroes awards recognise the dedication of individuals working hard and going above and beyond to make a difference in their communities."

There is an individual prize of £5,000 and a team prize of £5,000 towards training or mentorship.

The winners will be selected by a judging panel including Leo Kattou, head chef at Simpson's restaurant and 2017 MasterChef: The Professionals finalist; Candice Brown, winner of The Great British Bake Off 2016 and owner of the Green Man pub in Eversholt, Bedfordshire; Lorraine Wood, director of Arena; and Jojo de Noronha, Kraft Heinz Northern European president.

Leo Kattou added: "I've been blown away by the generosity and kindness I've seen over the last few months. I think the fantastic stories we've seen to date are just the tip of the iceberg and this competition will help uncover lots of untold heroes; it's going to be a very tough gig to judge."

For more information and to enter, click here.

The closing date is Friday 18 September 2020.