Jamie Oliver named Raymond Blanc Sustainability Hero

Jamie Oliver to receive Raymond Blanc Sustainability Hero Award for his “unrelenting passion and commitment” to use food as a force for good and improve the nation’s health.

The celebrity chef will be presented with the award by The President of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) at the Food Made Good Awards at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Lindley Hall in London on Tuesday, 22 March.

Commenting on why he choose Jamie, Raymond Blanc said: “Since he first burst onto our TV screens as the Naked Chef, Jamie’s enthusiasm has been utterly infectious and compelling. So whether he is challenging school caterers head-on, here or in the USA, or throwing himself into campaigns with an unrelenting passion and commitment to persuade the nation to buy higher welfare chicken, Jamie carries people with him, leading them to a better place."

The title is awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to helping create a better food industry. Past winners include Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Sheila Dillon, presenter of BBC Radio’s Food Programme.

Raymond singled out Jamie’s ongoing campaign to tackle childhood obesity for particular praise saying: “Childhood obesity is one of the most important issues facing this country. Jamie has stood up to be counted, leading from the front, highlighting the problem and more importantly offering solutions, showing others acting positively can make a change.

“He has also done so much to uplift the image of the hospitality industry.”

More than 150,000 people signed Jamie’s petition calling on the Government to impose a tax on sugary drinks. The voluntary levy imposed by Jamie in his restaurants and others has raised more than £50,000 for health and educational causes since it was introduced in 2015 and just last week, the Chancellor announced he was introducing a tax on soft drinks from 2018.

Receiving the award, Jamie said: “Any award is a great honour and this one is extra special because it bears the name of one of my heroes. Raymond is an inspiration and I'm delighted to be able to call him a friend.”

The Raymond Blanc Sustainability Hero Award is one of 20 awards to be presented at the Food Made Good Awards, sponsored by Nestlé Professional, which recognises restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, contract caterers, universities and hotels, who demonstrate that all food can be made delicious, ethical and sustainable.

Jamie will also present the People’s Favourite Award to Lussmanns Fish & Grill which is voted for by the public and run in partnership with the Independent on Sunday.