Owen Hazel, co-owner of Jannettas Gelateria in St Andrews has been honoured with the prestigious Judges’ Choice: Brand Ambassador award at The Menu Food and Drink Awards 2019, organised by The Courier.
The glittering awards ceremony took place at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews on the 28th March 2019 and was attended by around 250 food and drink industry professionals.
The Ambassador award, launched in 2018, recognises an individual who champions local produce and whose business has made an important contribution to Tayside, Perthshire and Fife’s burgeoning food and drink scene.
After receiving the award, Owen Hazel said:
“I’m completely shocked and overwhelmed to have been recognised in an area with so many outstanding food and hospitality businesses – but also extremely grateful. I look forward to working with the team at the Courier and using this role to inspire others and develop relationships further.”
On presentation of the award, well known chef and host of the ceremony, Jacqueline O’Donnell commented on the reasons judges had selected Owen saying:
“Constantly innovating with flavours, Jannettas has been taken to the hearts of generations of locals, students and tourists from around the world, many returning with their children and grandchildren. Owen’s business is known for its energetic approach and he is always encouraging to those entering the industry, whilst maintaining a strong community focus and the business acumen necessary for a truly successful customer-focused business.
His passion for everything he does is remarked on by all who know him and The Courier will be proud to have him as Menu Brand Ambassador 2019.”
Owen and his wife Nicola have been at the helm of Jannettas Gelateria for 27 years, expanding the 111-year-old, family-owned business while maintaining and enhancing the quality and consistency of its products. Jannettas has become an important landmark in the St Andrews community, with locals, tourists and generations old and new returning time and time again.
Owen and Nicola are known for their energetic approach to business and are supportive of young people looking to enter the industry while helping contribute to the development of the St Andrews town centre.
Now in its second year, The Menu Food and Drink Awards celebrates the outstanding food and drink industry talent across the Dundee, Perthshire, Fife and Angus area, with emphasis on originality, entrepreneurial flair and innovation.
Recognising the venues, individuals and suppliers that stand out from the crowd, the awards feature 11 categories in addition to the Ambassador award. These include Best Newcomer, the Farm to Fork Award, Chef of the Year and Best Craft Distiller.
As well as celebrating the winners, the event showcases five courses from five top chefs in the area, with each course served in style.
As ambassador, Owen will sit on the judging panel for the Menu Awards 2020, which opens for nominations in the winter of 2019.
Media enquiries: contact Martha Bryce at Sound Bite PR on martha@soundbitepr.co.uk
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