In this edition, the awards have distinguished six industry leaders and a chef, highlighting their innovation and the preservation of local essence. Among the awardees are Apisierra from Pozo Alcón, Mermeladas y Licores Santa Claudia from Alcalá la Real, La Jamonería de Paco from Jaén, La Despensa de Paraíso de Bardazoso from Villanueva del Arzobispo, the Antique restaurant from Úbeda, and a chef from a restaurant in the provincial capital.
The event, presided over by the president of the Provincial Council, also paid tribute to 36 companies with over half a century of activity and four that have surpassed a century, emphasizing the continuity and deep roots of the province's agri-food business fabric.
“"What is not known is not valued. And today we better understand what is produced around us, we appreciate it more, and we feel prouder of it."
The awards highlighted Apisierra's work as a benchmark brand in honeys and chocolates, Santa Claudia's AOVE Jelly as a unique product, and the promotion efforts of La Jamonería de Paco, which exports the Degusta Jaén brand. Additionally, La Despensa de Paraíso de Bardazoso was recognized for its role as a link between producers and consumers in the area of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park.
The Antique restaurant received an award for its gastronomic experience based on local cuisine, and the chef was recognized for elevating provincial gastronomy through the fusion of Jaén and Japanese flavors and techniques. The Degusta Jaén brand encompasses over 300 affiliated companies and more than 3,500 product references, generating 2,500 jobs throughout the province.
The ceremony served as a prelude to the V Degusta Jaén Food and Gastronomy Fair, which will open this Saturday at IFEJA with a program of activities running until Monday.
