Thais McGowan, a management trainee from Unilever Caribbean, presents the second prize gift basket to Claudette Francique, second-place winner in the Blue Band Margarine Christmas Cake competition. Corporate Affairs Manager Karin Cooper shares the happy occasion. -

Safi James, brand manager of Unilever Caribbean said: "Blue Band Margarine is the margarine was the margarine used in baking all the cakes."

Ms. James said her company decided to partner with The Gleaner's Christmas cake competition to show everyone that Blue Band can be used not just for cakes, but for all baking needs throughout the holiday.

"We knew that the previous competition was successful and we wanted to partner with The Gleaner to make this year a success too."

"I was very impressed with the excitement of participants. Their creativity was phenomenal from novice to experienced bakers, all sharing their ideas about how to create the perfect cake. We are definitely looking forward to a bigger and better competition next year. Congratulations to all the 10 finalists especially to our first-, second- and third-place winner.

(All the other seven finalists are asked to collect Unilever gift packages at The Gleaner at their convenience).

Left: The Blue Band-sponsored Gleaner Christmas Cake competition third-place winner, Valrie Davis (centre), is presented with her cheque for $25,000 by Safi James (left), brand manager for Unilever Caribbean. Sharing the moment is Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle editor. The presentation took place at the Gleaner's North Street, Kingston office, on Tuesday, December 19.   Right: Winner of the first prize of $50,000 plus a basket of Unilever products, Natalee Ffrench (centre), stares in disbelief at her cheque, while The Gleaner's Corporate Affairs Manager Karin Cooper (right) and Unilever's Safi James convince her she is not seeing doubles. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer