Barbados Food and Rum Festival wins Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival again

The Barbados Food and Rum Festival has once again claimed the title of the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival at the prestigious World Culinary Awards, held in Dubai.

This marks the second consecutive year that the festival has been recognised for its culinary excellence, solidifying Barbados’ position as a premier destination for food tourism.

The annual festival, which showcases the island’s top chefs and mixologists, has continued to elevate Barbados’ global culinary status.

The award highlights the event’s significant role in promoting the island’s rich culinary diversity while enhancing its tourism appeal.

Andrea Franklin, CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the organisation responsible for producing the festival, celebrated the achievement.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this prestigious award for the second consecutive year. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, from our talented chefs and mixologists to our partners and sponsors,” said Franklin.

She added, “This recognition not only celebrates our unique culinary heritage but also reinforces Barbados as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.”

The 2024 edition of the festival, slated for October 24th to October 27th, promises an exciting lineup of events under the theme ‘The Ultimate Foodie Dream Weekend’.

Events include the Liquid Gold Feast, Rise & Rum Breakfast Beach Party, Rum Route, Chef Classics, Oistins Under the Stars, Culture of Cuisine Talks, Bajan Fair, and the debut of Rum Night. The festival will feature a mix of local and international culinary talent, alongside emerging chefs.

Under the theme “Feed the Future”, the festival is dedicated to investing in the next generation of chefs through its Junior Chef Cook Off Competition.

This year’s competition saw 21-year-old Omari Layne crowned Junior Chef Champion. Layne received a scholarship for an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts at the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute, an internship at one of Barbados’ top fine dining restaurants, and BBD $3,000.