Newsroom
Ten Cypriot agri-food producers were honored at the 10th "Gastronomos" Quality Awards on Thursday evening, June 27, 2024. The event, held at the old Nicosia Town Hall, celebrated a decade of achievements in Cypriot gastronomy and the promotion of local products.
The "Gastronomos" Quality Awards, organized annually by Kathimerini, highlight producers and small to medium-sized entrepreneurs who uphold Cyprus's rich food heritage. These awards honor individuals who, despite challenges, have shown creativity and perseverance in producing unique Cypriot products.
Each year, the "Gastronomos" team conducts extensive research, traveling across Cyprus to taste and evaluate the best local products. The tasting panel, consisting of chefs, sommeliers, scientists, researchers, and magazine contributors, evaluated more than 80 products through seven blind tastings this year.
In its tenth year, the awards recognized ten outstanding producers who exemplify innovation and quality in the agri-food sector. The awards ceremony, hosted by Elena Apostolou, was spnsored by the Bank of Cyprus, Sklavenitis stores, OPAP Cyprus, Epic, and the Nicosia Municipality.
Here are the 2024 Quality Award Winners:
1. Traditional Product Award: Kostas Tomazou Allanti Orini for Lunza, presented by Katerina Economidou from the Bank of Cyprus.
2. Olive Oil Production Award: Aparthenasa extra virgin olive oil, presented by Tasos Kyriakidis, olive oil sommelier and professor at Yale's School of Public Health.
3. Sustainable Development Award: Ygea Farm, presented by Michel Cheiban from Epic.
4. Microbrewery Award: Crossline Brewing, presented by Alexandros Davos from OPAP.
5. Exceptional Quality Award: Zambartas Winery for Koumandaria, presented by Angelos Rentoulas, Director of Gastronomic Publications.
6. Agricultural Crop Award: Optimus Land Potatoes, presented by Giorgos Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Trade, and Industry.
7. White Wine Award: Seven Soul Spourtiko 2023, Morocanella 2023 from Gerolemo Estate, presented by Minas Minas, Chief Oenologist and General Manager of Kyperounda Winery.
8. Red Wine Award: Giannoudi 2020 from Fikardos Winery, presented by Costas Koumis, Deputy Minister of Tourism.
8. Halloumi Award: Salata Farm, presented by Stella Kyriakides, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.
10. Honorary Award: Winery Mallias / Keo Estate, presented by Irene Piki, Deputy Minister to the President.
The "Gastronomos" Quality Awards continue to celebrate the best of Cypriot cuisine, showcasing the island's rich culinary heritage and the innovative spirit of its producers.
