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A woman takes a photo of a chef holding an Acqua Panna bottle at an event, near a large cheese wheel.

23/08/24

The James Beard Awards®: Recognizing Talent and Champions of Equity, Community, and Sustainability

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Celebrating, supporting, and elevating the people behind America's food culturethe annual James Beard Awards®, presented by the non-profit James Beard Foundation, is the highlight of the year for America’s top chefs and restaurateurs—as well as leaders in food media and the broader food system. S. Pellegrino and Acqua Panna have actively sponsored the ceremony since 1997, playing our part in the sparking celebrating of the hardworking individuals that dedicate their lives to elevating America's food culture.

With awards given for Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Chef, Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Bakery, Outstanding Hospitality, and more, the Restaurant and Chef Awards lineup covers a range of disciplines within the food and beverage industry.

S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are proud to sponsor two of our own individual awards during the ceremony: the Outstanding Restaurant Award presented by Acqua Panna, and the Emerging Chef Award presented by S.Pellegrino— further anchoring our support for both established and rising stars within the industry.

Founded in 1990, with the first ceremony in 1991, the James Beard Awards® have become the foremost event highlighting excellence in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system.

Alongside the ceremony, the James Beard Foundation provides a breadth of programming that aims to inspire and empower hospitality leaders as entrepreneurs, business owners, advocates, and members of their communities, further cementing the Foundation's place as a leader in American culinary culture. 

The Foundation offers in-person and virtual conferences, training, education, and mentorship through their Women’s Leadership Programs, Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change™, and Legacy Network, each centered around creating a more equitable and sustainable food industry where all have the opportunity to thrive.

When restaurants were forced to close their doors during COVID-19 lockdowns, the Foundation created a Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund, raising $4.68 million and awarding $15,000 grants to 312 independent restaurants across the country. S.Pellegrino played a part in this important initiative by donating $1 million to the fund.

It is our goal as a brand to partner with organizations dedicated to championing, supporting, and inspiring the restaurant industry.