Uniting force

Competition founder Caroline Kenyon told China Daily Chinese entrants have a particular connection with food that mean they keep winning, even though all entries are assessed without the judges knowing who took the photos.

"I think there is a tradition of Chinese photography that is exceptional, in the work I have seen, they have a subtlety particularly around the use of lighting that is exquisite and unique," she said.

"It's a bit like Chinese calligraphy, bringing an age-old artistic delicacy and sense of movement into the modern world.

"There is something very special and different about a Chinese eye looking through the lens, and when you ally that artistic sensibility with the country's cultural awareness of food, you come up with something wonderful."

Although food may vary hugely around the world, its status as one of the most basic unifying forces of humankind means that, as an artistic inspiration, it is something everyone can relate to.

"Despite the challenges of an ever-changing world, we never cease in growing, gathering, cooking, eating, and celebrating with food," said Phil Turnbull, CEO of APAL, the owner of award sponsors Pink Lady.

"Each year, the remarkable photographs serve as a reminder of the fundamental role of food in every culture and every people around the world."

For people who are interested, there is an online gallery of the finalists at www.pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com.